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Barbados Museum & Historical Society

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Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)

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The Barbados Museum & Historical Society is located within the historic St. Ann's Garrison, a core part of Barbados's UNESCO World Heritage site. Housed in a 19th-century British military prison, the museum’s architecture, featuring original brickwork and vaulted cells, adds a tangible layer of history to its exhibits. Established in 1933, the institution is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the island’s diverse heritage. Its galleries cover a vast timeline, from the early Amerindian settlements to the brutal era of the transatlantic slave trade and the subsequent development of modern Barbados. Key exhibits include natural history displays explaining the island's coral origins, a fine art collection, and rare historical maps of the West Indies. The museum also serves as an important research center for genealogy, housing extensive archives that help residents and visitors trace their Bajan roots. The central courtyard often hosts cultural events, bridging the gap between historical preservation and contemporary community life.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262626272828282828282827
Rain mm34191928527274959813210749

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Barbados Museum & Historical Society is housed in a former military prison and is open to visitors. Exhibits cover island history from pre-colonial times to the present.
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Typical hours
The museum is typically open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Sundays and public holidays are often closed.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas without flash. Some special exhibits may have restrictions, indicated on site.
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Time needed
A museum visit typically takes one to two hours. For a thorough exploration of all galleries, allow two hours.
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Combine with
The museum is in Bridgetown, near Independence Square and Bridgetown Cathedral. National Heroes Square is also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The museum is in downtown Bridgetown, reachable by bus or car. Public parking is available nearby.
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Insider tip
Take time for the outdoor area, which also features historical exhibits. The museum often holds lectures and events on Barbados' history.

Geography

Coordinates
13.08110, -59.60420

Facts

  • Founded: 1933
  • Location: Former military prison (built 1817)
  • Collection size: over 50,000 items
  • Garden area: 0.6 hectares (1.5 acres)
  • Annual visitors: approximately 100,000
  • Oldest artifact: Arawak pottery from 100 AD

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Barbados MuseumBarbados Museum<1 km · SWExplore →
The PineThe Pine1 km · NEExplore →
Bridgetown Jewish CemeteryBridgetown Jewish Cemetery2 km · SEExplore →
RendezvousRendezvous2 km · NExplore →
Green HillGreen Hill3 km · EExplore →
Pine Hill DairyPine Hill Dairy3 km · NExplore →
Hothersal TurningHothersal Turning3 km · NEExplore →
Cave HillCave Hill4 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Barbados Museum & Historical Society (3)

Garrison Savannah Racetrack📍 landmark

Horse racing track in Bridgetown, part of the historic garrison area.

George Washington House (Barbados)📍 landmark

House where George Washington stayed in 1751 during his visit to Barbados.

Saint Ann's Fort📍 landmark

Historic fort in Bridgetown, used as a military base and storage facility.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

In what building is the museum located?
It is housed in a former British military prison.
What can you see in the museum?
Exhibits cover natural history, indigenous cultures, and the colonial era.
What are the opening hours?
Normally Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Is there a shop or cafe?
Yes, there is a museum shop with local crafts and a small cafe.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, there are interactive exhibits and a gallery specifically for children.
Barbados Museum & Historical Society: where is it located?
Barbados Museum & Historical Society is located in Barbados.
Barbados Museum & Historical Society: what is there to see?
Highlights include Garrison Savannah Racetrack, George Washington House (Barbados), Saint Ann's Fort.
Barbados Museum & Historical Society: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Barbados Museum & Historical Society: why is it worth visiting?
The Barbados Museum & Historical Society is located within the historic St.
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Nearby cities

Historic Bridgetown — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Historic Bridgetown
Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011 for its British colonial architecture.
Bridgetown — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Bridgetown
Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of Barbados.
Bank Hall — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Bank Hall
Bank Hall is a suburb in the parish of Saint Michael, located just north of Bridgetown.
Bush Hall — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Bush Hall
Bush Hall is a historic residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Tudor Bridge — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Tudor Bridge
Tudor Bridge is a busy commercial and residential area in the parish of Saint Michael.
Tyrol Cot Heritage Village — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Tyrol Cot Heritage Village
The former home of Sir Grantley Adams is now an open-air museum showcasing traditional Barbadian architecture.
Fairfield — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Fairfield
Fairfield is a residential suburb north of Bridgetown in the parish of Saint Michael.
Green Hill — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Green Hill
Green Hill is a centrally located residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Spring Garden — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Spring Garden
Spring Garden is an industrial and coastal area north of Bridgetown.
Warrens — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Warrens
Warrens is a major business and commercial district in the parish of Saint Michael.
Grazettes — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Grazettes
Grazettes is an important industrial and residential area in the parish of Saint Michael.
Haggatt Hall — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Haggatt Hall
Haggatt Hall is a busy traffic hub and shopping area on the outskirts of Bridgetown.
Clermont — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Clermont
Clermont is a residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Hothersal Turning — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Hothersal Turning
Hothersal Turning is a busy suburb on the outskirts of Bridgetown.
Cave Hill — Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Barbados)
Cave Hill
Cave Hill is best known as the site of one of the main campuses of the University of the West Indies.