Bay of Pigs Veterans Open Miami Museum Marking Failed 1961 Invasion

The new museum aims to educate younger generations about the dangers of communism.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:49pm

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A cinematic painting of an old, weathered Cuban flag hanging in a dimly lit room, the fabric catching warm, diagonal sunlight and casting deep shadows, conveying a sense of melancholy and historical weight.The new Bay of Pigs Museum in Miami's Little Havana serves as a solemn reminder of the failed 1961 invasion and the ongoing struggle for democracy in Cuba.Today in Miami

A group of Cuban exiles who participated in the failed 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion have opened a new museum in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood to commemorate the event and educate the public about the dangers of communism. The museum features educational videos, memorabilia, and a memorial wall honoring those who died in the invasion.

Why it matters

The Bay of Pigs invasion was a significant event in U.S.-Cuba relations, marking a failed attempt by the United States to overthrow the communist regime of Fidel Castro. The new museum aims to keep the memory of this event alive and use it as a cautionary tale about the threats posed by communist governments.

The details

In April 1961, around 1,500 Cuban exiles, backed by the CIA, launched a military operation to try to liberate Cuba from Fidel Castro's communist regime. The invasion failed, with more than 100 men killed and about 1,200 fighters known as Brigade 2506 running out of ammunition. Many of the fighters were captured by the Cuban government, including Ernesto Freyre, who was 18 at the time and held prisoner for nearly two years in abhorrent conditions.

  • The Bay of Pigs Invasion took place on April 17, 1961.
  • The new Bay of Pigs Museum and Library in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood is set to officially open to the public in the first week of May 2026.

The players

Ernesto Freyre

A Cuban exile who was 18 years old at the time of the Bay of Pigs Invasion and was captured and held prisoner for nearly two years in abhorrent conditions.

Yuleisy Mena

A representative of the new Bay of Pigs Museum and Library, who states that one of the museum's biggest goals is its educational programs on civics and democratic ideals.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who has recently touched on Cuba's future, calling it 'a new dawn for Cuba' and promising to turn his attention to Cuba after dealing with Iran.

Jorge Giro

A Cuban American in South Florida who expresses hope that the Cuban regime will fall, saying 'And then probably they want to finish the war in Iran first and then later on it will come. Our country completely free.'

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What they’re saying

“As they say, the rest is history, but as you will know, unfortunately, we promised support from the United States. They did not arrive ever. And we were outnumbered substantially and ran out of them immediately after three days of very heavy combat.”

— Ernesto Freyre

“One of the biggest things that we are doing is our educational programs on civics and democratic ideals.”

— Yuleisy Mena

“And then probably they want to finish the war in Iran first and then later on it will come. Our country completely free.”

— Jorge Giro

What’s next

The new Bay of Pigs Museum and Library is set to officially open to the public in the first week of May 2026, offering free admission with donations encouraged.

The takeaway

The opening of the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood serves as a poignant reminder of the failed 1961 invasion and the ongoing struggle for democracy in Cuba. By educating younger generations about the dangers of communism, the museum aims to ensure that the sacrifices made by the Bay of Pigs veterans are not forgotten.