World by City

Museums & galleries

Barbados Museum & Historical Society

Open in Maps
Barbados Museum & Historical Society

Overview

The Barbados Museum & Historical Society is housed in a former military prison at St. Ann's Garrison. Opened in 1933, the institution preserves the island's natural and social history through exhibits on geology, indigenous cultures, colonial trade, and decorative arts. Visitors go to explore Barbadian heritage through historic maps, paintings, and period artifacts.

Getting There

Situated south of central Bridgetown, the site is reachable by taxi or local bus in about 5 to 10 minutes. Walking from downtown takes roughly 25 minutes along Bay Street.

Visiting Time

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to tour the galleries and the central courtyard.

When to Visit

Visiting during the middle of the day provides a shaded indoor stop during peak heat. The galleries rarely become crowded, though brief influxes occur when cruise excursions arrive.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your stop with other points of interest in southern Bridgetown:

  • Needham's Point Lighthouse (1 km): Historic lighthouse on the nearby peninsula.
  • St. Patrick's Cathedral, Bridgetown (1.3 km): 19th-century cathedral located toward downtown.
  • Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown (1.3 km): Located next to the cathedral.
  • Carlisle Bay (1.5 km): Calm coastal bay known for public beaches and marine life.

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

GetYourGuide GetYourGuide 클룩 Klook Tiqets Tiqets KKday KKday WeGoTrip WeGoTrip Official site

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Barbados Museum & Historical Society

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Barbados Museum & Historical Society Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Bridgetown hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

View on Compare sites 부킹닷컴 View on Booking.com 호텔스닷컴 View on Hotels.com

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

3 nights, 4 days

Bridgetown 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Bridgetown grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Needham's Point Lighthouse

Views & landmarks

Needham's Point Lighthouse

A lighthouse on Barbados' southwest coast, a pleasant stop for sea views while exploring Bridgetown.

1.0 km away
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Bridgetown

Temples & religious sites

St. Patrick's Cathedral, Bridgetown

This is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown. One of only two cathedrals in Barbados, it's worth visiting alongside the Anglican cathedral.

1.3 km away
Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown

Temples & religious sites

Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown

A Catholic diocese based in Bridgetown, Barbados, with jurisdiction over the whole island. It is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain and belongs to the Antilles Episcopal Conference.

1.3 km away
Carlisle Bay

Nature

Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay is a natural bay in southwestern Barbados bordering the capital, Bridgetown, now developed into a marine park. Sunken anchors and cannonballs from old ships rest on the seabed, making it a popular scuba diving spot.

1.5 km away
Chamberlain Bridge

Views & landmarks

Chamberlain Bridge

This bridge spans the Careenage waterway in Bridgetown; built in 1872, it was rebuilt as a modern lifting bridge in 2005-2006. It's a great spot to stroll across and take in the harbor views.

2.0 km away
National Heroes Square

Parks & gardens

National Heroes Square

A square in downtown Bridgetown, on the north bank of the Careenage. Being right in the city center, it's an easy stop for a quick rest while out for a walk.

2.0 km away