Jamaica / Special Interests / Museums

There are a number of museums on Jamaica that cover periods such as pre-Columbian and its military past, but there are also museums themed around certain aspects of the island’s history. The Great Houses, dating from plantation times, tend to be living embodiments of this era with displays of antiques, furniture and the like, reflecting those times. Jamaica’s musical heritage is highlighted in the museums recounting the life and death of reggae legend Bob Marley, while the former home of British playwright and author Noel Coward has been preserved as it was when he lived on the island until his death in 1973.

Institute of Jamaica, Kingston - Established in 1879 by the island’s governor Sir Anthony Musgrave, it is now regarded as the most significant cultural, artistic and scientific body in Jamaica. It co-ordinates six formal museums on the island including the Taino Museum of the First Jamaicans, a military museum and craft museum. The Institute contains the country’s Natural History Museum, National Library, Jamaica Music Museum and National Gallery.

Tuff Gong Studios, Hope Road, Kingston - Bob Marley’s former house in Kingston and the place where he recorded many of songs, it is now the site of the Bob Marley Museum which tells the life story of the reggae megastar.

Nine Mile, St Ann  - This tiny hamlet in the depths of the Jamaican hinterland is the place where Reggae legend was born and lived as a young boy. It is also the site of his final resting place, signified by a mausoleum and a small museum

Greenwood Great House, Montego Bay - This 19th Century house, was built by the Barretts of Wimpole Street, the family of famous English poet Elizabeth Barrett-Browning. Described as housing the finest antique museum in the Caribbean, it is regarded as one of the best preserved Great Houses on the island and still contains much of the original furniture.

Firefly, Oracabessa - Noel Coward’s house in Jamaica is a simple dwelling with possibly the finest view in the Caribbean. It has been restored and kept as it was in 1965 when the Queen Mother came to lunch. The late playwright is buried in the grounds.

Non-profit organisations and Government links:

Institute of Jamaica, Kingston, www.instituteofjamaica.org.jm