The Koubek Center

The Koubek Center, a former mansion, is a great place for getting exposure to cultural events. Located off of 27^th Street in the Little Havana neighborhood, it is a cultural and historical landmark in South Florida, currently operated by Miami Dade College. Apparently, the mansion and grounds are available for touring, but when I came, it was close to night time, so I did not have a chance to do that, nor take any photographs. It looks beautiful though. I used to drive by all the time not knowing what this was, and frankly, it looks out of place considering the other nearby establishments, like a drug store and a Lincoln-​Marti daycare. Parking at the Koubek Center, inside a gated lot on the back with a roaming security guard, was free, which was convenient.
As I mentioned, this is a cultural center, hosting workshops, lectures, and the Art Cinema. Although most events may be geared toward the Hispanic and Cuban cultures, I came for The Big Read, which celebrated Asian cultures, the Indian culture, to be more specific. The Big Read this year featured events and activities inspired by The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, including a flash mob-​style Bhangra dance party, film screenings, book discussions, author presentations, Indian cooking demos and tastings, and more. Unfortunately, because all those interesting events took place during the week, I was unable to attend, but I was able to attend the last event of the series, which was a screening of «The Namesake» movie, and in addition, we got a free copy of the book. By the way, I highly recommend this movie, it’s very realistic and offers a view into growing up Indian in America.
The theater inside was comfortable, small, yet cozy. The screen was of a decent size, and there was a stage, which I assume is where book discussions are held. All the staff was polite and welcoming. It was a small, intimate event, and I enjoyed it. I felt as if I was part of a private, secret movie screening. I definitely would be open to watching more movies here, dance performances, whatever. I wish we had more indie films, it seems the indie films are only held in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, which is frustrating when you live in Miami. Considering we have an art museum now, I think it’s time people got exposed to other cultures and indie films from other countries. I hope the Koubek Center listens, it’d make a great venue for hosting such films!

When the movie «Lovelace» was showing in Miami, I made it a point to watch it. As an indie film not backed with million in advertisement dollars, only a few theaters showed the somewhat controversial «Lovelace», one of those locations being the Koubek Center. I have never been to the Koubek Center but only heard of it sporadically here and there, and learned about it more recently when I was invited for the reopening of the newly furbished facilities.
When I got to the Koubek Center I was very surprised. The grounds were simply gorgeous. I parked my car in the private parking lot and walked around. Well, I did more than that. I thoroughly explored the site. This MDC facility used to be a mansion and gardens, a sort of memorial build by the late John James Koubek to his wife, Rose Garibaldi Koubek. He was a real estate investor who became a benefactor and philanthropist, and who later gifted the mansion to the University of Miami to make it the home of the Cuban Cultural Center (now defunct), hosting it for decades. The mansion itself is enclosed by a fence, and surrounded by tall trees and lawns. The grounds are not large enough to be a estate, but large enough to house a gazebo among other things. Currently, the Mediterranean style mansion serves as offices and classrooms, theater, movie theater, museum, conference room, etc., but more importantly, it is the house to Teatro Prometeo, a Hispanic flavored theater troupe.
At the time of this review, the center is housing The Tower Theater and its patrons. Since The Tower Theater is closed for renovations, a light schedule is en place to accommodate those who can’t live without the schedule of movies featured at The Tower Theater. For this function, The Koubek Center has fitted the newly renovated theater with a medium sized screen. I do find the screen to be annoyingly small, but I am thinking of a large megaplex monster screen. For the showings that I have attended, everything has been perfectly fine, and I guess the small screen will do in the meantime. The sound, on the other hand, is really good, as well as the sitting.
The Koubek Center also offers small yet important and serious theater plays. Also, they feature dance shows and music concerts. A word of caution: The Koubek Center is inclined to offer the more underground art scene, showcasing Hispanic authors and artists, and consequently, Latin American themes. It’s definitely not Broadway, but it is very educational.
Parking for the daytime functions is free, but there is a charge for night time showings.