Plizio Visual Lab
Vendue House
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
Vendue House in Nassau, now home to the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation, is one of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in the Bahamas. Constructed around 1769, it originally functioned as a marketplace where various goods and, most tragically, enslaved people were sold at auction. The building's signature arcaded structure stands as a silent witness to the dark era of the transatlantic slave trade. In 1992, it was converted into a museum and named after Pompey, an enslaved man on Exuma who led a courageous revolt in 1830 against the forced relocation of his community. The museum's exhibits meticulously document the history of slavery from the arrival of West Africans to full emancipation in 1838. Despite suffering severe damage in a 2011 fire, the building was faithfully restored and continues to serve as a central site for remembrance and education in the heart of Nassau.
- Location: Bahamas
- Top sights: Bay Street (Nassau) · Bahamian Parliament Building · Nassau Public Library
- Nearby: Sandy Point (20 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 33 | 40 | 61 | 127 | 162 | 130 | 154 | 164 | 119 | 68 | 40 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Vendue House in Nassau now houses the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation. The museum is typically open on weekdays and gives insights into the history of slavery in the Bahamas.
Typical hours
Museums in Nassau usually open at 9 or 10 am and close at 4 or 5 pm. On holidays and weekends, hours may be reduced; it is advisable to check in advance.
Photography
Photography in the museum is usually allowed without flash. Some exhibits may be restricted - look for signs.
Time needed
Allow about 30-60 minutes for the museum visit. The exhibition is compact but very informative; read the texts to fully understand the history.
Combine with
Vendue House is located in old town Nassau, a few minutes' walk from Straw Market and Parliament Square. Combine the visit with a stroll along Bay Street.
Getting there
The museum is at the corner of Bay Street and George Street in central Nassau. It is easily reachable on foot or by taxi; parking is limited in the area.
Insider tip
Admission fee is low, but bring cash as card payments may not be accepted. Take your time to read the moving personal stories in the exhibition.
Geography
Facts
- Built around 1769, making it one of Nassau's oldest structures.
- Originally functioned as a public market for slave auctions.
- Named after Pompey, a leader of a slave revolt on Exuma in 1830.
- Opened as a museum of slavery and emancipation in 1992.
- The building was meticulously restored after a major fire in 2011.
- It chronicles the journey from African arrival to 1838 emancipation.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Vendue House (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which museum is located in Vendue House?
It houses the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation.
Where is the building located in Nassau?
It is located on George Street, right in the city center.
What is the historical significance of the house?
It served as a slave market during the 18th and 19th centuries.
What are the opening hours?
Usually Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes, short guided tours of the exhibits are often available.
Vendue House: where is it located?
Vendue House is located in Bahamas.
Vendue House: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bay Street (Nassau), Bahamian Parliament Building, Nassau Public Library.
Vendue House: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Vendue House: why is it worth visiting?
Vendue House in Nassau, now home to the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation, is one of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in the Bahamas.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in North America
More places in Bahamas →
History & landmarks
Straw Market Nassau
A famous open-air market in Nassau for handmade straw goods.
Nassau Cenotaph
A war memorial in Nassau dedicated to Bahamians who fell in both World Wars.
Gregory's Arch
A stone arch that forms a picturesque boundary between downtown and the 'Over-the-Hill' settlement.
Rawson Square
The center of downtown Nassau, often the gateway for cruise ship passengers.
Supreme Court of the Bahamas
A classic colonial building serving as the highest judicial center of the Bahamas.
Shirley Street Post Office
A prominent government building that provided postal services for the downtown area.
Royal Victoria Hotel Ruins
The remains of the Bahamas' first luxury hotel, built during the American Civil War.
Queen's Staircase
A historic staircase in Nassau, carved out of solid limestone and featuring 66 steps.
More places
Prince George Wharf
The main cruise pier in Nassau Harbour.
Three Queens Statue
A statue in Nassau honoring three important queens in British and Bahamian history.
Graycliff Chocolatier
A chocolate factory in Nassau where kids and adults can take tours and learn to make their own chocolate creations.
Old Fort of Nassau Site
The original site of the first fort built to protect Nassau's harbour in the 17th century.
Pirates of Nassau Museum
An interactive museum for kids and adults that recreates the golden age of piracy in The Bahamas.
Parliament Square
The center of Bahamian government, featuring pink-hued colonial buildings.
Balcony House Museum
The oldest surviving wooden residential structure in Nassau.
Chancery Lane Ruins
The remains of old colonial buildings along a narrow lane in the heart of Nassau.