[[ARCHITECTURE]] [[Asia]] [[Buildings and [[Structures]]]] [[Conference]] [[National]] [[Palacio]] [[center]] [[convention]] [[havana]] [[wiki-architecture]] # Havana Convention Center Palacio de las Convenciones (Havana Convention Center) is the largest convention and conference centre in Cuba. Located in Havana, it was inaugurated in 1979 for the 6th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement. Since then, it has served as one of the country’s most important venues for international diplomacy, national political assemblies, and large-scale academic and cultural events. The complex is also the permanent meeting place of the National Assembly of People's Power, Cuba’s parliament, giving it a dual role as both an international diplomatic venue and a central institution of domestic governance. Historical background The Palacio de las Convenciones was completed in 1979, during a period when Cuba was consolidating its position within the Non-Aligned Movement and expanding its international diplomatic presence. Hosting the Sixth Conference Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Havana was a major political event, attended by heads of state and representatives from dozens of countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. The decision to construct a purpose-built convention centre reflected the government’s intention to provide [[Infrastructure]] capable of hosting high-level international meetings while also accommodating domestic political functions. From the outset, the building was conceived as a long-term institutional facility rather than a one-time event structure. Architect The complex was designed by Cuban architect Antonio Quintana Simonetti, a prominent figure in post-revolutionary Cuban architecture. Quintana Simonetti belonged to a generation trained in modernist principles before 1959 and remained active in Cuba after the revolution, contributing to major institutional and civic projects during the 1960s and 1970s. His work on the Palacio de las Convenciones is often regarded as a mature synthesis of functional modernism and institutional restraint, reflecting both the political context of the period and the practical requirements of large-scale public buildings. Architecture and design Architecturally, the Palacio de las Convenciones reflects the sober and functional character of Cuban institutional architecture in the late 1970s. Rather than pursuing expressive or monumental forms, the design prioritises clarity of circulation, adaptability of interior spaces, and the logistical demands of large international events. The complex is organised as a series of interconnected halls, conference rooms, and support spaces that allow multiple events to take place simultaneously. Circulation routes are carefully separated to accommodate different levels of access, including delegates, officials, press, and security personnel. Several sources also note the incorporation of elements associated with Cuban climate and architectural tradition, including shaded transitional spaces, interior courtyards, water features, wood finishes, ceramic paving, and screened openings. These features help moderate the tropical environment and soften the institutional character of the complex. Facilities The Palacio de las Convenciones contains approximately fifteen conference halls of varying sizes, along with meeting rooms, interpretation booths, press facilities, and administrative spaces. The main auditorium is the largest space in the complex and is used for plenary sessions and major assemblies. Its seating capacity is generally reported at around 1,700 people, expandable to over 2,200 depending on configuration. Adjoining the main complex is the four-star Hotel Palco, which provides accommodation for delegates and officials attending international conferences. The hotel forms part of a broader institutional ecosystem supporting diplomatic and state events, including catering, transport, and technical services. Political and cultural significance Since its inauguration, the Palacio de las Convenciones has hosted numerous national and international events. In addition to the VI and XIV Summits of the Non-Aligned Movement, it has been the venue for major congresses related to public health, education, science, culture, and international cooperation. The building serves as the permanent seat of the National Assembly of People's Power, where ordinary and extraordinary parliamentary sessions are held. As such, it occupies a central position in Cuba’s political life and is frequently associated with major legislative and constitutional events. Modernisation From the late 2010s onward, the Palacio de las Convenciones has undergone a series of renovation and modernisation efforts aimed at upgrading conference technology, furnishings, and support facilities. These interventions have focused on improving audiovisual systems, accessibility, and energy efficiency, while maintaining the building’s original spatial organisation. Further reading Gallo, Rubén (2023). Havana Modern: Critical Readings in Cuban Architecture. Arquine. ISBN 978-607-8880-11-9. Rodríguez, Eduardo Luis (1999). The Havana Guide: Modern Architecture 1925–1965. Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN 978-1-56898-210-6. Rodríguez, Eduardo Luis (2001). La Habana: Arquitectura del siglo XX (in Spanish). Blume. ISBN 978-84-89396-17-3. Loomis, John A. (1999). Revolution of Forms: Cuba’s Forgotten Art Schools. Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN 978-1-56898-157-4. Connors, Michael (2014). Havana Modern: Twentieth-Century Architecture and Interiors. Rizzoli. ISBN 978-0-84784-346-6. == References ==