The Museo Napoleónico de la Habana is one of the five museums that contain large collection of finest pieces associated with Napoléon Bonaparte, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, weapons, decorative arts, books and historical objects.

The museum occupies the building that was built for the wealthy Italian politician, writer, university professor and diplomat Orestes Ferrara Marino (1876-1972). The building was built by the company Govantes y Cabarocas in 1928. The renowned company designed also El Capitolio and the Biblioteca Nacional. The mansion that Orestes Ferrara called Dolce Dimora (Sweet Dwelling), was built in the style of the Florentine Renaissance palaces of the 16th century.

The collection inside of the museum that consists of about 7.000 items, belonged to Julio Lobo Olavarría (1898-1983), Cuba’s sugar baron, and the richest man of Cuba in 1950s. Julio Lobo’s father was a descendent of the Sephardic Jews. His sympathy to Napoléon Bonaparte can be explained by Napoléon’s policy that removed the restrictions of the Jews on landownership, participation in political activity and professions. It is possible that he was identifying himself with the warrior character of the French Emperor. He transported most of his precious collection to the US before the impending revolution. Founded in 1961, the Museo Napoleónico de la Habana is also the first new museum opened officially after the Revolution. The museum was refurbished in 2011.

The building consists of 4 floors.