Bay of Pigs Museum & Library - Miami, Florida

Christophe Busson

La belle surprise du séjour. Après une visite sans grand intérêt de la calle 8, piège à touristes, nous avons tenté la visite de ce petit musée situé a quelques pas de l'artère principale de little Havana, et là, surprise, nous avons été accueilli comme des rois par les bénévoles qui se sont empressés de nous faire découvrir leur vision de l'histoire de la baie des cochons, avec souvent leur histoires personnels car certains vétérans sont encore là, famille ou amis. Un retour magique dans le passé, agrémenté d'archives et objets divers, dont le fameux drapeau de la section, passé dans les mains de Kennedy. Des bénévoles adorables, une visite gratuite et passionnante (avec la possibilité de faire un don en sortant), même ma fille de 14 ans à adoré. Mille merci à tous les bénévoles pour ce partage, pour ce travail d'archives, pour son accueil et sa générosité. Cette visite a sauvé notre découverte de little Havana, vraiment.

John M Guzman

It was the highlight of my trip to Miami and def one of the most educational things to see in Little Havana. I was greeted by Carlos and Santiago (who had both been captured as younger men in 1961 as part of the 2506 Brigade). I watched a movie (english subtitles) and felt like a VIP as I was given a tour by Carlos (he was incredibly knowledgeable!- like a university professor). I will def return. I give this museusm a perfect score for education and making me feel so welcome!

Vicki

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.

Ethan M.

I stopped by randomly after going to domino park. 100% worth the visit it only takes 40 mins of your time and it’s completely free. Being able to talk to a actual member of the invasion force was a wonderful experience and hearing it first hand was impressive

Cal

PHENOMENAL! I spent two hours learning about a fascinating part of history from people who were truly passionate about it. The staff was genuine, intelligent, and accommodating. I am excited to see their new building once it's complete! I recommend this museum to ANYONE who appreciates history or who wants to learn more about Cuba.

¡FENOMENAL! Pasé dos horas aprendiendo sobre una parte fascinante de la historia de la mano de personas realmente apasionadas por ella. El personal era genuino, inteligente y servicial. ¡Estoy emocionado de ver su nuevo edificio una vez que esté terminado! Recomiendo este museo a CUALQUIER persona que aprecie la historia o quiera aprender más sobre Cuba.

Nicholas Berry (“Nick”)

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.

Gabriella Garcia

Whether you are visiting Miami or are a Miami native, visiting the Brigade 2506 museum is something everyone must do & come to appreciate. The museum has done an incredible job preserving such vital and important history. Visiting their temporary location is a must and you’ll be so incredibly lucky to have your tour guided by Luke. An esteemed and knowledgeable historian. Thank you for such a special visit!

Mary Ferrerio

We had an outstanding tour today from docent Celi. So much information packed into a small space. If you are a fan of (not so great) American history or of Cuba/Cubans and their allies, this is well with your time. We were very impressed and appreciative. I grew up in the ‘hide under your desks’ era and I learned so much today I never knew before. Can’t recommend highly enough.