Barbados Museum & Historical Society
St. Ann's Garrison, Bridgetown, Saint Michael
Founded in 1933, the Barbados Museum highlights the island’s rich history and culture. Travel through time as the museum presents the history of Barbados’ inhabitants through a thorough collection of artifacts, maps, and photographs.
Housed in the Garrison building, a former 18th-century British military prison, the sturdy pink stucco building also serves as the headquarters of the Barbados Historical Society, so there’s always someone extremely knowledgeable around to answer your questions. Gain an understanding of the British military occupation of the island by exploring the museum and the surrounding Garrison Historic Area on a half-day guided walking tour, which includes the George Washington House, where the once-future US president stayed in 1751 on his sole venture outside America.
- Barbados Museum & Historical Society is an ideal spot for history buffs.
- Residents gain free entry.
- Children should visit the special interactive gallery created just for them.
- Most of the museum is wheelchair accessible, however, the Warmington, Cunard, and Military galleries are not; the Shilstone Memorial Library may only be accessed by pre-arranged appointment.
- Photo reproductions are available upon request.
Barbados Museum & Historical Society is in the Garrison Historic Area, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) south of Bridgetown. Many travelers prefer to drive or take a taxi as the bus from Bridgetown only runs once every three hours and the stop is a 5-minute walk away from the museum. On-site parking is available.
Barbados Museum & Historical Society is open daily with shorter hours on Sundays. The Shilstone Memorial Library is only open Monday–Friday until about 1pm. Come in November for the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts, a month-long celebration commemorating the island’s 1966 independence from Britain with sports competitions, fairs, community events, and special religious services.
After the museum, walk over to this world-class grass racetrack, home of the prestigious annual Barbados Gold Cup for Thoroughbreds and the Barbados Triple Crown Series. Formerly a military parade ground, the racetrack has been the main venue of horse racing in the Caribbean since 1845. It's also been used for cricket, polo, rugby matches and kite-flying competitions.
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