Museums & Heritage Sites

Though Barbados is but a small island, it is wrought with history, from its original inhabitants, to colonization and piracy, to its exciting struggle for equal rights and independence, to industrialization and culture. There are many interesting places that document the history of the island and its people and locals and visitors alike should take the opportunity to learn more about Barbados, and what makes this island so unique. Museums are a great place to start, providing engaging, fun & interactive information for the oldest to the littlest minds.

LOCAL MUSEUMS

Arlington House Museum: Located in the heart of Speightstown, St. Peter, this Museum has three floors of exhibits, each floor with a different theme. In addition to the house being of architectural interest, the Museum has many interactive features that make this a fun and educational visit for the whole family. Read More

Barbados Museum & Historical Society: 

Garrison Savannah, St. Michael

The Barbados Museum and Historical Society is housed in the historic buildings of the former British Military Prison at St Ann’s. The prison is one of only twelve such prisons constructed anywhere in the British Empire and as such it is unique to the region. 

The Barbados National Heroes Gallery and Museum of Parliament: Bridgetown
Enter these interactive museums and discover the history of Barbados’ Parliament and the contributions made to Barbados by ten of the island’s most outstanding national heroes. Read More

The Concorde Experience: This hi-tech museum highlights the technological wonder of British Airways Concorde G-BOAE. There are several zones within this museum that give further insight into this aviation wonder, with tidbits and little known facts about flying and aircrafts. Read More

Washington House: Bush Hill, St. Michael
This former plantation house, was once residence of the United States’ first President, George Washington in 1751. Barbados was the only country Washington ever visited outside colonial America. Experience a guided tour, short film and interactive museum highlighting Barbados’ social, economic, and political conditions of the 18^th century, and how they influenced George Washington’s ideas. 

Hutson Sugar Museum: Portvale Sugar Factory , St. James
Highlighting the islands sweetest treasure, this museum, showcases the sugar industry in Barbados through the 1700’s and 1800’s.

Springvale Eco-Heritage Museum: Scotland District, St. Andrew
Take a step back in time on this delightfully tranquil property, enter the museum and enjoy the tales of a younger Barbados as told by the museums’ elderly owner Mr. Newlands Greenidge. Read More

St. Nicholas Abbey: 

Cherry Tree Hill, St. Peter

Built in 1658, St. Nicholas Abbey is one of ONLY three genuine Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. Barbados is home to two of these mansions, St. Nicholas Abbey and Drax Hall. Find beautifully landscaped grounds, perfectly preserved buildings, antiques, a rum distillery and the incredible view atop Cherry Tree Hill. 

Plantation House: St Philip
This beautifully restored old great house is more than 300 years old. A tour through this great house is a virtual step back in time. Sunbury is home to the largest collection of antique horse-drawn carriages in the Caribbean as well as antique furniture, silver and more.

Tyrol Cot Heritage Village: Codrington Village. St. Michael
Tyrol Cot was once the family home of, Sir Grantley Adams (Barbados’ first premier and the only Prime Minister of the Federation of the West Indies) and his son (second Prime Minister of Barbados) the late J.M.G.M. "Tom" Adams. The property now houses a historic Palladian-style house, and a modern "Heritage Chattel House Village" with local crafts and a restaurant.

Article c GoBarbados
Photos 1-5 c GoBarbados
Photos 6 & 7 originally from tripadvisor.com