Veterans Mark 65th Anniversary of Bay of Pigs Invasion with New Miami Museum

The Bay of Pigs Museum reopens in a larger space in Little Havana to commemorate the historic 1961 event.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A nostalgic, cinematic painting depicting an old, weathered Cuban flag hanging in the window of a dimly lit, vintage-style building, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the somber history of the Bay of Pigs invasion.The reopened Bay of Pigs Museum in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood serves as a solemn reminder of the failed 1961 invasion and the ongoing struggle for Cuban independence.Today in Miami

Veterans of the failed 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba are commemorating the 65th anniversary of the event with the reopening of the Bay of Pigs Museum in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood. The museum has moved to a new and larger space to honor the members of Brigade 2506 who participated in the ill-fated attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro's communist regime.

Why it matters

The Bay of Pigs invasion remains a pivotal moment in U.S.-Cuba relations and the Cold War. For many Cuban Americans, it represents a failed attempt to liberate their homeland from communist rule. The museum's reopening allows veterans to preserve the memory of those who fought and died in the operation.

The details

The Bay of Pigs Museum features exhibits, artifacts, and personal accounts from the veterans of Brigade 2506, the group of Cuban exiles who launched the 1961 invasion. The museum has moved to a larger space to accommodate more visitors and expand its collection.

  • The Bay of Pigs invasion took place on April 17, 1961.
  • The Bay of Pigs Museum is reopening on the 65th anniversary of the invasion, April 17, 2026.

The players

Francisco J. Hernandez

A Bay of Pigs veteran who points out fellow Brigade 2506 members he knew personally who were killed in the 1961 invasion.

Brigade 2506

The group of Cuban exiles who launched the failed 1961 invasion of Cuba in an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro's communist regime.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As an 18-year-old with a lot of ideals and a big heart, I wanted to be back in my country and be free and be able to do what I wanted.”

— Francisco J. Hernandez, Bay of Pigs Veteran

What’s next

The museum plans to host a series of events and educational programs throughout the year to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion.

The takeaway

The reopening of the Bay of Pigs Museum in a larger space allows Cuban American veterans to preserve the memory of the failed 1961 invasion and educate the public about this pivotal moment in U.S.-Cuba relations during the Cold War.