Comandancia de La Plata - Less is More

In my museology class, we were asked to write about our most memorable or life changing museum experience. I chose to write about The Comandancia de La Plata, in Sierra Maestra, Cuba. The Comandancia de La Plata functioned as headquarters for Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and their guerrilla rebel army, while they planned and campaigned their fight against Batista. Visiting it today, the grounds are kept in their original, rustic style, with only one of the original cabins transformed into a small and equally rustic information centre.

The only way to access the museum is by foot or mule, and a park guide must direct you, as the hike is narrow and steep (not to mention full of wildlife such as snakes, lizards, birds, etc.). On your way up, you learn that Fidel and his comrades hiked a similar route to establish their hidden command centre. As you make your way through the dense vegetation, you pass look out points and thatched spy-huts, used by the rebel forces to guard the command centre. Once you reach the Comandancia de La Plata itself, you can enter Fidel’s cabin, which still houses his bed, beer fridge, desk and trap door (for a speedy escape). Also, the original broadcast hut for ‘Radio Rebelde’ still stands, as well as Che’s hut, the original stairs and trails, the kitchen and the medic hut.

Looking back on my experience now, with new ideas for digital and interactive museum elements, I believe that this is one museum experience that is better off without the new and experimental. It is raw and unrefined, and possesses a unique living history, that is essential to the atmosphere of the Comandancia de La Plata. Without computers, audio tours, televisions, Smartboards or audio-visual clips to alter the environment of the museum, you gain a greater understanding of how it was originally, when the rebels were developing tactics and strategies. With just the grounds, complemented by a collection of photographs, a large model and detailed oral histories, the experience certainly feels authentic and candid. For this site specifically, the motto, ‘less is more’ certainly reigns - the addition of digital elements would tarnish the overall appeal.

Photographs: 1) Our Guide showing us where we were on the model, 2) Fidel's hut with trap door and desk, 3) Fidel's hut (view from outside).