Lectures, Tours, Events
The Splendor of Cuba: 450 Years of Architecture and Interiors
Thursday, February 9; Reception at 6:30 PM; Lecture at 7:00 PM
Sponsored by Zepsa Industries
Many have seen in person or in books the rich architectural gems of Cuba, most in gentle decay, islands within an island. Dr. Michael Connors’ recent book, The Splendor of Cuba, has been said to be a quiet revelation. The Splendor of Cuba presents the secret and extraordinarily well-preserved opulence of colonial Spanish Creole aristocracy, with its Mudejar craftsmanship, classically inspired grand mansions, baroque palacios, and coffee and sugarcane plantations known as “ingenios”. Exceptional preservation work has kept these villas in their magnificent state. New photos shot exclusively for this book show examples in each area of the island—from Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, and Pinar del Rio to Ernest Hemingway’s, Finca Vigia (“Lookout Farm”), certainly a new discovery for anyone with an interest in Cuba and architecture.
Dr. Michael Connors is an expert in Caribbean antiques and architecture writing for over thirty years on the subjects. He received his Ph.D in Decorative Arts from New York University where he taught for fifteen years.
Location: Library at the General Society, 20 West 44th Street. Space is limited and reservations are required. Online reservations are now closed for this event. Limited tickets will be available at the door the evening of the event.
Cost/Learning Unit: FREE for ICAA members and employees of professional members firms; FREE for full-time students with current ID; $10 for AIA NY Interiors Committee members; $20 for the general public.