Nassau Museums
(Nassau / Paradise Island, New Providence, Bahamas)
Paradise Island is not really the place to come for cultural attractions - most people come for the sun and sea after all. There is only the one dedicated museum on the island, the Junkanoo Mini-Museum, which concentrates solely on Bahamian culture.
There are several museums over on New Providence, at the top end of Nassau. They include the Pirates of Nassau and its wealth of pirate fun, and a little further to the south, the small Roselawn Museum and its exhibits concentrating on the heritage of the
Bahamas.
Pirate Museum / Pirates of Nassau
Address: Corner of King Street and George Street, Nassau, Bahamas, BS
Tel: +1 242 356 3759
The Pirate Museum is located in downtown Nassau, on the corner of King Street and George Street, just across from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, and does well to recreate a traditional pirate town. Main exhibits include a recreation of a pirate ship (some 40 metres / 130 feet in length), a pirate hall of fame, animatronic pirates, battle memorabilia and treasure chests, along with numerous authentic items mixed in with the pomp. This is a must for those with kids and you can also join a pirate tour. The adjacent gift shop is packed with pirate-themed goodies, including Jolly Roger flags galore.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 12:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children
Junkanoo Mini-Museum
Address: Ivern House, 31 West Street, Nassau, Bahamas, BS
Tel: +1 242 328 3786
Although not a must-see for the average Bahamas visitor, the Junkanoo Mini-Museum is good for learning about the people and culture of the islands. It covers Bahamian dance, music and culture, and there are many flashy exhibits on the Junkanoo (like a Mardi Gras) theme. You can also join in a Junkanoo jam during your visit. Guided tours are offered on weekdays at 09:30.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge
Public Library and Museum
Address: Shirley Street, Nassau, Bahamas, BS
Tel: +1 242 322 4907
The Public Library and Museum is the most historical government building standing in downtown Nassau and dates back to 1797. This pink-coloured building is octagonal in shape and originally functioned as a prison. Today, the prison cells are filled with books and important local colonial documents, along with an assortment of Bahamian artefacts, shells, old prints and relics relating to the past Arawak Indians.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 10:00 to 20:00, Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 14:00
Admission: free
Roselawn Museum
Tel: +1 242 323 3182
Located in the centre of Nassau is the Roselawn Museum, featuring much Bahamian culture and including a host of related artefacts. This is a relatively small attraction and covers many avenues, including Junkanoo costumes. There are also parts of sunken Bahamian ships and decent-sized collections of Bahamian coins, stamps and bottles.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free
Pompey Museum
Address: Vendue House, Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas, BS
Tel: +1 242 356 0495
Located within Vendue House, the Pompey Museum documents the life and trials of a famous Bahamian slave, who was responsible for an unsuccessful rebellion. Exhibits also trace the journeys of slaves, who arrived in the Caribbean all the way from Africa. For many, this attraction is quite an eye-opener, particularly when you see the huge ball-and-chains once used, the branding irons and the animal-like collars worn by the slaves, all of which date back to the period between the 16th and mid-19th centuries. Interestingly, the Pompey Museum actually stands on the former site where the local slave auction was held.
Open hours: Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday - 09:30 to 16:30, Thursday - 09:30 to 13:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors