Florida International University Unveils CasaCuba's Benjamín León Jr. Building Design
Florida International University (FIU) has recently revealed eye-catching architectural renderings for the new Benjamín León Jr. Building. This building will house CasaCuba, a vital cultural and academic center dedicated to preserving and celebrating Cuban and Cuban American heritage. The unveiling occurred on January 28, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the project's development as it approaches construction following the raising of $30 million toward its $40 million funding target.
The CasaCuba facility will encompass 43,000 square feet and is anticipated to be a central hub for Cuban culture within the diverse landscape of South Florida. The building will feature various gallery and exhibition spaces, classrooms, and modern event venues tailored for dynamic cultural programming. Designed by the renowned architectural firm HKS and constructed by Thornton Construction, this facility aims to foster research, education, and community engagement by connecting scholars, students, tourists, and the broader community.
FIU's Provost, Elizabeth M. Béjar, expressed enthusiasm about CasaCuba's potential, stating that it will serve as a multidisciplinary hub showcasing the university's dedication to enhancing the understanding of Cuban heritage. "As Miami's only public research university, FIU is uniquely suited to host CasaCuba," Béjar added, highlighting the university's position at the heart of a city with deep Cuban connections and rich cultural fabric.
The institution boasts the most extensive collection of Cuban music outside of Cuba, including the Diaz-Ayala Cuban and Latin American Popular Music Collection and the Henrique Hurtado de Mendoza Collection focused on Cuban genealogy. Additionally, the Darlene M. and Jorge M. Perez Art Collection resides at FIU, further enriching the cultural fabric of the university.
Prominently located near the entrance of the Modesto A. Maidique Campus in West Miami-Dade, the Benjamín León Jr. Building will integrate the latest technological advancements to bring the Cuban American experience to life. CasaCuba’s Executive Director, Lydia Betancourt Space, expressed her excitement, noting that after years of dedicated effort, the vision of CasaCuba is finally coming to fruition. "This beautiful new building will reflect the Cuban American experience and stand among Miami's noteworthy cultural landmarks, like the Perez Art Museum and the Adrienne Arsht Center," she articulated.
The project's construction is entirely supported by donations, with a noteworthy $10 million contribution from Benjamín León Jr. Additionally, the Knight Foundation donated over $4 million, which includes $2 million allocated for the facility's design. Key supporters like CasaCuba Board Chair Mario Murgado and Jorge Mas have played vital roles in propelling this initiative forward.
Murgado emphasized the cultural significance of CasaCuba, stating, "It represents the heart and soul of our community, a space where the rich heritage of the Cuban diaspora will be celebrated and preserved. The generosity and commitment of our supporters are making this vision possible, ensuring that CasaCuba leaves a lasting impact for future generations."
As the project journey continues and further fundraising efforts are anticipated, the architectural renderings and plans for CasaCuba promise an exciting future ahead for the community, enhancing the appreciation and understanding of Cuban culture and history. It’s a project reflective of Miami’s vibrant cultural identity, aiming to foster deeper connections and celebrate the rich contributions of the Cuban American community.
Renderings from the unveiling and images of the event will be made available in a dedicated media folder, showcasing how this ambitious project could transform South Florida's cultural landscape.
The CasaCuba facility will encompass 43,000 square feet and is anticipated to be a central hub for Cuban culture within the diverse landscape of South Florida. The building will feature various gallery and exhibition spaces, classrooms, and modern event venues tailored for dynamic cultural programming. Designed by the renowned architectural firm HKS and constructed by Thornton Construction, this facility aims to foster research, education, and community engagement by connecting scholars, students, tourists, and the broader community.
FIU's Provost, Elizabeth M. Béjar, expressed enthusiasm about CasaCuba's potential, stating that it will serve as a multidisciplinary hub showcasing the university's dedication to enhancing the understanding of Cuban heritage. "As Miami's only public research university, FIU is uniquely suited to host CasaCuba," Béjar added, highlighting the university's position at the heart of a city with deep Cuban connections and rich cultural fabric.
The institution boasts the most extensive collection of Cuban music outside of Cuba, including the Diaz-Ayala Cuban and Latin American Popular Music Collection and the Henrique Hurtado de Mendoza Collection focused on Cuban genealogy. Additionally, the Darlene M. and Jorge M. Perez Art Collection resides at FIU, further enriching the cultural fabric of the university.
Prominently located near the entrance of the Modesto A. Maidique Campus in West Miami-Dade, the Benjamín León Jr. Building will integrate the latest technological advancements to bring the Cuban American experience to life. CasaCuba’s Executive Director, Lydia Betancourt Space, expressed her excitement, noting that after years of dedicated effort, the vision of CasaCuba is finally coming to fruition. "This beautiful new building will reflect the Cuban American experience and stand among Miami's noteworthy cultural landmarks, like the Perez Art Museum and the Adrienne Arsht Center," she articulated.
The project's construction is entirely supported by donations, with a noteworthy $10 million contribution from Benjamín León Jr. Additionally, the Knight Foundation donated over $4 million, which includes $2 million allocated for the facility's design. Key supporters like CasaCuba Board Chair Mario Murgado and Jorge Mas have played vital roles in propelling this initiative forward.
Murgado emphasized the cultural significance of CasaCuba, stating, "It represents the heart and soul of our community, a space where the rich heritage of the Cuban diaspora will be celebrated and preserved. The generosity and commitment of our supporters are making this vision possible, ensuring that CasaCuba leaves a lasting impact for future generations."
As the project journey continues and further fundraising efforts are anticipated, the architectural renderings and plans for CasaCuba promise an exciting future ahead for the community, enhancing the appreciation and understanding of Cuban culture and history. It’s a project reflective of Miami’s vibrant cultural identity, aiming to foster deeper connections and celebrate the rich contributions of the Cuban American community.
Renderings from the unveiling and images of the event will be made available in a dedicated media folder, showcasing how this ambitious project could transform South Florida's cultural landscape.
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