San Carlos Institute

The Liceo San Carlos Institute is situated in the heart of Key West. It is one of the most important monuments to be found, not only on this island, but also in the whole of Florida. It was founded in 1871 by Cuban exiles who settled in Key West. It was a school and at the time was the cradle of the Cuban independence movement. It was a meeting place for the Cuban independence movement in exile, led by Jose Marti and it is said that it was here that the campaign national liberation was organized. Martí called the center "La Casa Cuba". Today it is used as a museum, library, art gallery, theater and school.