Five Museums in the Caribbean You Should Visit
by Karen Rollins Jun 21, 2021
The Caribbean is well known for its beautiful beaches, welcoming people, and warm weather, but the region also has a dynamic history which you can discover at various museums on every island.
These museums cover a broad range of topics, including culture, art, food, storytelling, music, and sports, among many others, and provide valuable insight into what makes every Caribbean country so different and special.
Here are five Caribbean museums you should put on your ‘must-see’ list (but of course, there are many more to explore).
Museum of Antigua and Barbuda – Antigua
The extensive history and culture of Antigua and Barbuda is the focus of the country’s national museum situated in the former St. John’s Courthouse (circa 1750).
Founded in 1985, one of the institution’s main aims is to “educate by collecting, preserving, and interpreting artefacts, writings, and oral histories, both historic and contemporary, which reflect the living heritage of the people of Antigua and Barbuda”.
Visitors will find displays focused on the geological formation of the islands, the indigenous Amerindian people, and a large collection of pre-Colombian and historical items.
The Barbados Museum – Barbados
The Barbados Museum promises “something for everyone” with exhibits on Barbadian society, Caribbean art, and African history and displays featuring rare documents, books, maps, painting, and photographs.
The museum is located in the Garrison which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The building was originally a 19th century military prison constructed by the British between 1817 and 1853. It became home to the Barbados Museum and Historical Society in 1930.
Kura Hulanda Museum – Curaçao
Kura Hulanda Museum comprises of 15 buildings and spans more than 16,000 square feet. It was opened in April 1991 and is the vision of Jacob Gelt Dekker.
According to the official website, Kura Hulanda “chronicles the Origin of Man, the African slave trade, West African Empires, Pre-Colombian gold, Mesopotamian relics and Antillean art.”
Situated on the site of a former slave yard and merchant’s home in central Willemstad, the museum’s mission is to “acquire and exhibit collections related to the cultural identity of the people of Curaçao, the Caribbean and the Atlantic Rim.”
Musee du Pantheon National Haïtien – Haiti
Musee du Pantheon National Haïtien (MUPANAH) is a history museum set mainly underground in downtown Port-Au-Prince.
Opened in 1983, the museum’s exhibits chart Haiti’s history from the Taínos and slavery through to independence and the present day.
Some of the most memorable features include the 13-foot rusting anchor of Columbus’ flagship, the Santa María; royal artefacts from Haiti’s various monarchies; a copy of the Code Noir that governed the running of plantations; and ‘Papa Doc’ Duvalier’s signature black hat and cane.
Bob Marley Museum – Jamaica
The Bob Marley Museum in Kingston is located on the site of the legendary reggae artist’s former home, which he bought in 1975.
Converted into a museum in 1987 by Marley’s wife Rita, six years after he died, the property has been left untouched. It features various personal items, such as clothing and international music awards, and displays like a life-sized, three-dimensional hologram of Marley from the One Love Peace concert in 1978.
The One Love Café, a photo gallery, and a record and gift shop, where fans can purchase Marley memorabilia, are also on site. Various tours take place throughout the day.
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All these museums, and many more throughout the Caribbean, offer a slice of our region’s diverse story. They also safeguard our most exquisite, rare, and priceless treasures while ensuring that our past is ever present for future generations.
