The Havana Biltmore and the Buena Vista Social Club two iconic buildings in Havana, Cuba

The authors trace the physical and cultural history of two iconic buildings in Havana, Cuba: the Havana Biltmore Yacht and Country Club and the Buena Vista Social Club. The ‘Biltmore’, now renamed the Club Havana, flourishes after several periods in which its survival was doubtful. The ‘Buena Vista’ had already long ceased its original functions at the time the film of that name was made in 1997. The article illuminates the enormous cultural significance with which certain buildings may be invested when the emotional title to the past is magnified by revolution and social turmoil.