Cuba's Fidel Castro spent an evening at an art opening after keeping out of the public eye for nine months.

He attended the opening of Estudio Romerillo, a nonprofit cultural center dedicated to promoting the arts, on Wednesday night, 55 years after he stormed Havana with his Rebel Army. Work by artists Alexis Leyva, known as “Kcho,” and Wifredo Lam were on view.

Castro reportedly told Lam that he was "indispensible."

Under Castro's 48 years of tightly-controlled rule, Cuba became a land of little freedom. Artists, however, have been able to earn more than the $20 or so per month paid to workers, and many enjoy more freedoms than the average citizen.

Castro stepped down in 2008 to give power to his brother President Raul Castro who has begun to open up the economy in small ways.