Bay of Pigs Museum & Library image

Bay of Pigs Museum & Library

Tourist attraction Museum

Documents & artifacts about the failed Cuban invasion are displayed in a house staffed by veterans. People often mention museum, history, time, visit, Pigs, experience, recommend, invasion, Miami, veterans,


Address

Temporary location to visit, 1338 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

Website

www.bayofpigsbrigade2506.com

Contact

(305) 649-4719

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (129 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 12 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 2 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (34) history (23) time (16) visit (15) Pigs (15) experience (15) recommend (14) invasion (13) Miami (11) veterans (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Nicholas “Nick” B. 2 years ago on Google • 82 reviews
    In short, an incredible hidden gem in Miami. Absolutely recommend anyone visiting Miami to visit! We were visiting Miami and happened to stumble on the Bay of Pigs Museum while visiting Little Havana and we were so happy we did. This museum was curated by veterans of the Brigade 2506 and are still staffed by the men and the wives of the men that served. What makes this museum extra special is hearing first hand accounts from these men and their experiences leading up to and the aftermath of the invasion. The memorabilia and artifacts from this somewhat forgotten historical event in the late stage of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s service as President and the early days of John F. Kennedy in the early 1960’s are truly remarkable, especially given the historical context and personalized backstory from the volunteers that served. The volunteers at the museum are so knowledgeable, proud and humble and you can see and feel how passionate they are to share their stories to every visitor of their museum. I highly recommend everyone go and visit this museum. Huge thank you to Humberto Díaz Arguelles, the President of the Miami Bay of Pigs Museum, and Humberto Lopez, the Museum Administrative Director. It was truly a memorable experience.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sun T. 4 years ago on Google
    Well Worth The Visit. These amazing Cuban patriots from all walks of life and races did not just let Communism take over their country. They fought it with everything they had. Don't let the fences stop you, the museum is in the process of being renovated... go inside and your guide may be one of the men who actually took part in the Bay of Pigs Invasion!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cyriac E. 5 months ago on Google • 817 reviews
    Had a fantastic time here. If you love history and want to learn more about the Bay of pigs, this is where to go. The historic museum is actually run by those who participated in the operation. We had a chance to meet some of them and learn about their histories and their culture and many things that we did not know related to the events of those days. Highly recommend visiting if you can.

  • 5/5 Grace S. 10 months ago on Google • 57 reviews
    Incredibly informative and worth the visit. Hearing the veterans speak of their experience was moving and helped put personal context into this historical event. Free tours, donations encouraged. Would recommend visiting.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tori E. 2 years ago on Google
    We just happened to park near the museum and had some extra time and decided to go in. BLOWN AWAY. I didn’t really know anything about the Bay of Pigs, but we were treated to stories from a gentleman that was a veteran of the Bay of Pigs invasion. It’s not the museum- it was the stories and the knowledge that was shared that made this ABSOLUTELY UNFORGETTABLE.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeanette S. 2 years ago on Google
    This was the highlight of our trip to Miami. My ancestors are of Cuban and Spanish descendent. I never fully understood what took place during Castro's regime until now and how the Bay of Pigs unfolded. We had the most amazing guide who was part of that history. He was unbelievably a great speaker and could recall everything. He spent a lot of time with us. I loved every minute of his talk and viewing all the memorabilia. I highly recommend a visit there.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Diego F. 2 years ago on Google
    The experience was lovely and the information amazing. 10/10. Totally recommended :)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nedim A. 11 months ago on Google • 99 reviews
    Amazing place where we learn some great details about US/Cuba history. Julio was amazing and patient. He answered all our questions. Highly recommend to everyone.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elusive W. 7 months ago on Google • 73 reviews
    Decided to stop in last minute while visiting little Havana. What a truly informative experience! I spent 2+ hours here with Julio Batista walking us through the whole history in both English and Spanish. We technically only left because the museum closed. So much to learn so little time. I also didn’t expect to meet someone part of the historial event and he was so fun and lively. After my visit I started watching a documentary on Cuban history. I highly recommend you stop by, it’s worthwhile!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vicki 4 months ago on Google • 69 reviews
    Wow, this little museum blew me away. CBS4 recently interviewed a member of the 2506 Brigade and after viewing the segment I knew I had to visit. It is free and you can plan to spend 1-2 hours there. I parked in the lot next to the museum which apparently is not theirs but the docent gave me a parking pass, otherwise there is street parking. The building was purchased by one of the brigade members in the 80's when the property foreclosed. They will be closing in December 2023 for a major renovation and upgrade. Currently there are only 2 rooms to the museum, a large library area as you enter and the room that houses all the artifacts. There are walls of pictures, in the center those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the conflict and on the side walls, those who have passed since. The docent, Julio, as well as another employee spent a lot of time with me individually telling me about the museum, some of the veterans as well as the chronology of the conflict. I learned more during my visit than I had in school. There were 2 of the veterans at the museum during my visit. They show a 20 minute excerpt of the documentary 'Veritas' which shows interviews with brigade members. I recommend visiting the Bay of Pigs museum, and I look forward to visiting once the renovations and upgrades are complete.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 grace w. 4 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Truly insightful and interesting museum. We were given a tour with Julio where we were encouraged to ask questions and spark conversation. He knew everything there was to know about the Bay of the Pigs and surrounding context, and can even point out individuals on the pictures and what they did. We also got to meet several veterans who participated in the invasion and learn their stories. I’d recommend this museum for anyone who’s visiting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Devan C. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the highlights of our visit to Miami that we visited on a whim. It was a very nice surprise to find out comfortable and quaint this museum was. We were greeted by several veterans of the brigade that gave us first hand accounts. The atmosphere was very intimate and we truly appreciated their generosity in sharing their history and time spent with us. Highly recommend and please donate to help them with securing funds to help expand and hire teams to record their history for future generations!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sue H. 1 year ago on Google
    You will get to hear an amazing piece of US history directly from some of the veterans. We had the chance to meet Armando, who was part of the brigade involved in the invasion. Read about the Bay of Pigs invasion before hand to understand the back story. Please keep in mind that they are donation based, so any amount is appreciated.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 AGUSTIN G. 2 years ago on Google
    Great Historical Experience
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dan W. 5 years ago on Google
    The Bay of Pigs museum was an incredible experience. We had several hours after our cruise and before our flight, so we checked it out. Saddled with all of our luggage, we were greeted by our tour guide, who invited us to leave our bags in the lobby. This is a free museum of Bay of Pigs artifacts, proclamations and pictures. Our experience was led by one of the soldiers who lived it and then survived as a POW for 2+ years, in Cuba, after the invasion… very moving. The stories were riveting and our time there was well worth the trip into Little Havana. As we said good bye, we were invited back anytime, because, “we are all now friends for life.” Please check it out- it is so special... you won't find this history anywhere else.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason P. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing experience!!! Our guide Julio was too kind and very informative. Julio was one of the survivors of the Bay of Pigs invasion. It’s a must visit while in little Havana. It was free and kindly asked for donations.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher P. 10 months ago on Google
    Great museum that remembers the people and the impact of an important event in American history, especially for Cuban Americans. Especially impactful I'd you have family members who participated whose photos are on the wall in remberance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Colleen B. 1 year ago on Google
    Called on MLK day and message was only in Spanish. Not open when we arrived. So disappointing. Also, internet site said museum was open. Common courtesy is not so difficult.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amar B. 2 months ago on Google • 22 reviews New
    Fantastic place. The 25 min documentary is an excellent background and gives you everything you need to understand the invasion and veterans' experience. The guide was very helpful and went into a lot of detail, perhaps a little too much as the Q and A period went on for so long I didn't have time to check out the museum artefacts! Unfortunately I couldn't return to do this as I had planned, but I hope to be able to come back one day and check it out. What a gem of authentic history in Little Havana!

  • 5/5 Klos 2 months ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    Although of rather unpleasant look from the outside of the building, the inside holds a great guide who's really interested in the topic and in history at all. Unusual form of presentation of exhibition with video presentation in the beginning, creates a great experience even for a person uninterested in history. Could strongly recommend

  • 5/5 Jonathan C. 6 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    Excellent museum! I visited there earlier this month and I’m glad I did. There weren’t a lot of people there at the time, so I basically got a private tour. They show a video to start the tour, then I got led around by Aurelio, an 86-year-old veteran of the invasion. I love history and it was almost surreal to meet someone who took part in an historical event like that. Great experience, I certainly recommend going if you are in Miami. They apparently are expanding the museum soon, I may need to stop by again…

  • 5/5 Hester H. 1 year ago on Google
    It was such a great experience learning about the Bay of Pigs. Having to hear the actual story and experience from the veterans was very interesting and compelling. I didn't know about this piece of US history before walking in but learned quite a bit walking out. Highly recommend it!

  • 5/5 Otto R. 1 year ago on Google
    Witnessing the stories of the veterans told themselves in person was a life memory I'll always cherish. My guide was Adriana and her memories of hiding in Cuba when she was 11 and how everyone whispered about the liberation coming was an awesome perspective on why the heroes of 2506 were fighting. I served in the military many years but one veteran said fighting for your country isn't a duty or obligation but a privilege. I will always be inspired by that and share it with my daughter and younger soldiers I meet.

  • 5/5 Frank A. 8 months ago on Google
    I've never seen a community more dedicated to honest historical preservation, and to the memory of a group of people who so selflessly gave themselves to the service of their country. I'm already pretty well-versed with history, and having gone to other museums before, I didn't expect so much, but I left absolutely amazed. The people there are so knowledgeable and kind, and they bring you in to the experience like no one else. You will learn more than a few things here. I absolutely recommend the Brigade 2506 museum!

  • 5/5 Bryan M. 8 months ago on Google
    A must visit if you find yourself in Little Havana. We went just to kill a little time and it wound up being very informative and enjoyable. We wound up closing the place down. Parents with teenagers - take your kids. Let them talk to real life Bay of Pigs veterans. Let them hear real life experiences of those who fled from Cuba to America and how communism destroyed a once thriving country and so many lives. Honestly, if you vote Democrat, you probably would benefit from this museum and it's staff, as well.

  • 5/5 Dinah M. 7 months ago on Google
    I remember this place as more than a museum. Talking to a veteran from the bay of pig invasion and getting to hear their perspective on this historic event truly added value to my life. You can tell that this is not just a job for the people working there, it is a personal concern to speak about cuba and all it’s facets. What a valuable and reflective conversation and history lesson we had. Went out smarter than we got on. Thank you so much.

  • 5/5 Masih Kameh K. 7 months ago on Google
    One of the best museums I've ever experienced. Learned a lot about this crucial capital of the cold war in a small, almost familiar setting. For anyone who wants to know more about about this part of history and the Cuban community in Miami and elsewhere, this is an absolute must.

  • 5/5 Sonny O. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely wonderful seeing my 2 grand uncles and on the wall and getting a tour by one of the paratroopers. Thank you all so much for giving my family this experience.

  • 5/5 Olofio c de B. 1 year ago on Google
    My wife and I visited on Saturday April 1st, 2023. The museum is now open on the first and last Saturdays of the month. Our guide Julio was fantastic. He spent at least an hour and a half with us. We learned so much more than we knew before. While the place is small, it's packed with photos and memorabilia. We watched a short film about the invasion and spoke at length with David Bellas, a veteran of the conflict and author of the book Cuban Gambit. Take the time to visit if you're in the area. If we're ever back in Miami, we will certainly go again. Everyone associated with the museum was pleasant and cordial. - Joe and Robin.

  • 5/5 Wesley S. 1 year ago on Google
    I went in knowing nothing about the Bay of Pigs invasion and going to the museum completely changed my perspective. The tour was 100% worth it and certainly worth your time. Everyone there was incredibly kind including the two veterans Eduardo and Sandy.

  • 5/5 Alex W. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredible gem with lots of history in Miami! Worth a visit and a tour, staff is amazing and great at explaining the importance and how the event impacted Miami!

  • 5/5 FALANGES07 2 years ago on Google
    Everyone should go there. Very humbling.

  • 5/5 John A. 1 year ago on Google
    A great guided tour by Eduardo, Vice President of the Brigade 2506, a veteran prisoner. Well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Lilly M. 1 year ago on Google
    Spent a good amount of time talking with our tour guide Carlos. He really took his time answering all of my many questions. It was amazing hearing first hand accounts of what it was like in Cuba during the revolution and during the invasion. If you have time definitely go in there you won’t regret it!

  • 5/5 Jeremy H. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice collection of history that gets normally just briefly talked about. Local docent that I talked to was part of the operation, knowledgeable and great to talk with.

  • 1/5 Leah S. 1 year ago on Google
    We drove over from South Beach, eager to experience the museum. As we're walking up at 2:30 (giving us a solid hour and a half to explore before closing) we see a man walking out and locking the gate. We asked if the museum was closing and he said, yes, he had an appointment. No warning on the website about closing early, nothing. Our 30 minute drive was a huge waste of time and gas, a mistake we won't bother making again. Very disappointing.

  • 5/5 Jeff R. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow. What a history lesson of the heroes of the bay of pigs told by the actual brigade members.The personal stories from these patriotic vets were heart wrenching and passionate showing their love and devotion for their country.

  • 5/5 Raúl C. 1 year ago on Google
    An essential part of Cuban American history.

  • 4/5 Eric J. 4 years ago on Google
    What an incredible place to go. Meeting survivors and hearing their story with all their pride is something of a modern marvel. There's very few historians living the truth and willing to share. I was very thanking for the opportunity.

  • 5/5 Mike F. 2 years ago on Google
    A tragic story, very authentic and sincere, great people with their personal stories

  • 4/5 David S. 4 years ago on Google
    Lots of history. Friendly staff

  • 1/5 Matt M. 2 years ago on Google
    As of July 25, 2021 it is closed. Hopefully it will reopen someday.

  • 5/5 Deanna M. 8 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Amazing museum, such a gift to the men that served and were never recognized. Too many of them did not get a chance to see this. A must visit, the staff are wonderful and kind. Thank you for this opportunity to see recognition of my father.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call (305) 649-4719 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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