Hidden among the fluctuations of the present, on iconic streets like Monte and Galeano, authentic time capsules persist, some antique shops that house everything from colonial furniture and French lamps to Soviet radios and 19th-century bronze sculptures.
The Cuban YouTuber JSant TV explored two of these spaces, "La Industrial" and the former "Floral" store, uncovering a fascinating and little-known world for many Cubans.
A business between nostalgia and exclusivity
"The trade and management of antiques in Cuba is a little-known topic," states JSant in his video. However, that doesn't make it any less profitable.
Some restored furniture pieces can fetch prices of up to 400,000 Cuban pesos or more, depending on their style, condition, and rarity.
One of the interviewed antique dealers emphasizes that the value of a piece is not defined solely by its age, but by its exclusivity. "The old is not valuable just for being old, but for being exclusive... for its style," he said.
Each displayed piece conceals hours, and sometimes months, of specialized work. From Louis XV beds to Renaissance display cases, everything is restored by hand.
“I buy these pieces of furniture, restore them, and make them look like they did when they were first made,” says one of the restorers.
The upholstery of a single game can cost up to 90,000 pesos. In addition to that, there are costs for transportation, structural repairs, sanding, polishing, and reproducing ornamental details.
Who buys antiques in Cuba?
Contrary to popular belief, buyers are not solely foreigners or diplomats. “Any Cuban who has the purchasing power and loves antiques can be a customer,” says one of the sellers.
Many choose these pieces as an investment, a symbol of status, or a lasting inheritance. "This buries us", comments an antique dealer, referring to the durability of their mahogany or cedar furniture.
Currently, the export of antiquities is prohibited in Cuba, even if they are not officially part of the national heritage.
This has led to the importation of vintage-style copies, brought in containers from abroad. However, connoisseurs can tell the difference.
“A Creole piece of furniture is not the same as an English or Italian one. Just look at the finishes,” explains the antique dealer, pointing out the difference between an authentic piece and a reproduction.
According to the video documentation, there are only three stores of this size in the entire city. One in Galeano, another in Monte (“La Industrial”), and the third, the old Floral store.
Each one holds an impressive variety of objects ranging from Singer sewing machines to 1950s studio pianos, Cibonet radios, French bronze sculptures, Quesada lamps, Chinese vases, Coca-Cola refrigerators, and even Louis XVI display cabinets.
December: peak season for sales
In an exceptional manner, some antique dealers reduce the price of their pieces by up to 15% during December.
“I keep my promise every year. Anyone who comes in December gets a discount,” comments one of the store owners.
Frequently asked questions about the antiques market in Havana
What are the most exclusive antique shops in Havana?
The most exclusive antique shops in Havana are "La Industrial" and the old shop "Floral". These stores offer an impressive variety of antique items, from colonial furniture to 19th-century bronze sculptures.
What factors determine the value of antiques in Cuba?
The value of an antique in Cuba is determined more by its exclusivity and style than by its age. The condition and rarity also play a crucial role in its appraisal.
Who buys antiques in Cuba?
In Cuba, antiques are purchased by Cubans with purchasing power and a love for these pieces. Although there is a notion that buyers are primarily foreigners, Cubans seeking an investment or a status symbol are also regular customers.
Is the export of antiques from Cuba allowed?
The export of antiques is prohibited in Cuba, even if they are not part of the national heritage. This restriction has resulted in the importation of copies in an antique style from abroad.
Why are antiques a popular investment in Cuba?
Antiques are seen as an investment due to their durability and exclusivity. Many consider them a lasting inheritance that can "bury them," reflecting their value as symbols of status and cultural legacy.
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