On Friday, February 23, the National Trust and a team of local artists brought new life to a mural-covered alleyway located in the heart of Calle Ocho with the launch of an exciting new exhibit.

Entitled “Little Havana Me Importa: The Places and Faces That Define a Neighborhood,” the exhibit invites audiences to step into the daily lives of ten local residents whose passion, creativity, and penchant for history is ensuring that future generations will experience the Little Havana we know today.

Hundreds of local community advocates packed the alleyway for the project’s debut, which included each resident who was documented in the exhibit dramatically unveiling their portion of it for the world to see. Among the residents spotlighted were a fruit stand owner, a dancer, a mural artist, an ice cream shop owner, a historian, and even a vendor who has been selling roasted peanuts on Calle Ocho for over 40 years! Meet them all with this special online exhibit.

This exhibit was made possible by funds raised through the Heineken Cities Project and is an integral part of the National Trust’s ongoing work in this iconic neighborhood. It is free of charge and will be on display in the alleyway adjacent to the Futurama Building at 1637 SW 8th Street through the end of May