November 7, 2025 – February 21, 2026
This exhibition honors one of the most extraordinary artists to grace this earth — a muse, a voice of dignity, joy, and inclusion: the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz — La Reina. We celebrate not only Celia’s centennial, but also the immense gift she gave the world. Her music and spirit united people through difficult times, inspiring love, pride, and resilience. Celia’s legacy lives on in art and culture. She was the first Afro-Latina to appear on a U.S. Mint quarter imprinted with her battle-cry ¡Azúcar!, and a Barbie doll modeled after her — inspired by our photographs — now stands as a tribute to her enduring influence. As Cuban exiles raised in Miami, Celia’s voice was the soundtrack of our youth. She brought us home to our roots and filled us with pride every time she performed. These photographs capture intimate moments with Celia and her husband, Pedro Knight — a heartfelt tribute to the woman who reconnected us with our heritage. Spanning more than fifteen years, from the image entitled, Yo soy de Cuba, la voz – Guantanamera taken at Fairchild Tropical Garden in Coral Gables to personal mementos such as one of her iconic shoes and unseen behind-the-scenes video footage, this collection is our love letter to Celia Cruz. We hope these images bring you the same joy and inspiration she brought to our lives.
Alexis Rodríguez-Duarte & Tico Torres
Greenwich Village, New York
https://coralgablesmuseum.org/project/celia-100th-happy-birthday/