La Casa de Cultura

Housed in a quaint colonial building with a gorgeous balcony is the Casa de Cultura, a center rich in history and dedicated to the promotion and exhibition of art, culture and education. It is a great source for taking classes ranging from learning the Spanish language to learning to play the guitar. Dance lessons and art classes are also offered. It also hosts many performances including ballet.

As you enter the building you will notice a great selection of permanent murals, paintings and sculptures from different national and international artists. The floors are artistically done with decorative tiles opening onto spacious patios. Upstairs in the front part of the home you will find an area where in-house or invited artists exhibit their talents.

At the back of the home there is another upper section which houses a small library with books and periodicals going back to 1979. Lectures are also offered here on varying subjects related to the arts. Off to the left at the rear the home opens into a large beautiful courtyard where many students were taking guitar lessons. A stage for performances was also included in this great space.

Front Entrance to Casa de Cultura

Entrance filled with colourful murals depicting Nicaraguan life.

Sitting area where the many works of art are displayed.

This next painting is quite controversial in many people's opinion. It shows Ronald Reagan on a Nicaraguan woman's shoulders who has slit her wrists with Henry Kissinger dressed as a jester. Interestingly it was painted by an American painter and many visitors come to the center just to see this painting.

Rear open courtyard where guitar lessons were in progress.

Gorgeously painted staircase leading to the library.

The center is open Monday to Saturday 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. Technically it is closed on Sunday but many times you will find them open.

Admission is free to everybody.

Address: Inglesia San Francisco, 1 block north, 20 meters east. It is located on Calle 1a NO