Florida Construction News staff writer
A new cultural and academic landmark dedicated to Cuban heritage is moving forward in Miami as Florida International University officially broke ground on the CasaCuba project. The groundbreaking ceremony took place April 16.
Thornton Construction Company marked the occasion on social media, calling the ceremony an honour and describing the project as a “truly monumental milestone” for everyone involved in bringing the vision to life.
Florida International University (FIU) is developing CasaCuba as a multidisciplinary hub focused on the preservation, study and celebration of Cuban heritage, history and the Cuban diaspora’s impact on South Florida.
The 43,000-square-foot facility, named the Benjamín León Jr. CasaCuba building, was designed by Arquitectonica and will include exhibition space for FIU’s Cuba-related collections, along with classrooms and academic space designed to support teaching, research and public programming. The centre is intended to function as both an academic resource and a public cultural gathering place.
“CasaCuba will be a vibrant home that invites visitors from across the globe — and from within the community — to gather, exchange ideas, find inspiration and preserve the story of the Cuban diaspora and its impact on South Florida,” the university said in project materials.
The project has received major philanthropic backing, including a $10 million gift from Benjamín León Jr., U.S. Ambassador to Spain and FIU honorary alumnus, along with funding support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the James S. and John L. Knight Foundation. Business leader Jorge Mas also contributed a $5 million donation.
FIU leaders say the centre comes at a significant moment for Cuba and Cuban studies. The university has emphasized its long-standing role in research on Cuba and recently announced a new initiative focused on supporting democratic transition efforts in the country.
Under the leadership of President Jeanette M. Nuñez, FIU said it will leverage expertise across multiple disciplines, along with regional and national partnerships, to support scholarship and engagement related to Cuba’s future.
CasaCuba is expected to serve as both an academic anchor and cultural destination, highlighting the historical and ongoing contributions of Cuban Americans in Florida and beyond.
