Donations are tax-deductible for Barbadians only. To facilitate the smooth processing of your tax deduction, please include your TAMIS number in any donations you make.
Memberships are not tax-deductible.
Both guided and self-guided tours are available; however, guided tours must be booked with the Receptionist 48 hours in advance.
There is one bathroom located in the lower courtyard at the Museum. This bathroom has facilities for persons who are disable. In the upper courtyard there are bathrooms for the ladies and the gents and these washrooms are also used by persons hosting events in the Walled Garden Theatre due to its close proximity. However, depending on the size and type of event you may be required to bring additional portable toilets for your event.
Students who are registered under the Government of Barbados’ Give Back Programme may apply to the Museum to complete their service hours. Click here to download our application form and sent it to educateintern@barbmuse.org.bb along with a copy of your resume and a brief note saying why you want to complete your Give Back service at the museum.
Yes, you can. To book a tour please contact us at 538-0201 or email us at tours@barbmuse.org.bb
No. The SML is a research library and there is no circulation of material. All literature must be used onsite.
No, unfortunately textbooks and other printed materials are not allowed in the library.
No. The sale of books is handled by the Museum shop. The Library however provides a photocopy service in accordance with copyright law.
Yes, the Museum’s grounds are often rented to individuals, organizations and companies for their special events.
Yes, you may include the Barbados Museum & Historical Society in your estate and future planning. You do not have to inform us beforehand. However, if you wish to discuss your plans, please contact dd@barbmuse.org.bb.
You can use your own technicians if you so desire however, you must additionally use a Museum technician when utilizing the sound and light booth and equipment in the Walled Garden Theatre. Museum technicians have the final say should any issues arise between the parties present as they are there to safeguard the equipment and interest of the Museum.
Yes. Visiting clients may search the library’s electronic catalogue. This service is however not yet available online.
The Barbados Museum & Historical Society’s Lecture series welcomes both financial and in kind sponsorship – write da@barbmuse.org.bb to indicate your interest and learn about our sponsorship opportunities.
Yes, but it must be on silent. Persons should exit the study room to answer calls.
No, photography is strictly prohibited. However, the Library offers a photocopying service for interested persons.
Yes! Simply let the Librarian know that you wish to use your equipment, especially if you require the use of a power outlet.
No, unfortunately the library is only open to the public on weekdays from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.
When renting the ground at the Barbados Museum you have the option to utilize vendors of your choice or you can ask our Event Coordinator to recommend a vendor if you so desire. However, all vendors will be required to follow the rule and protocols outlined by Museum Management.
Tertiary and upper secondary students can use the library once they have taken out a student or junior membership. However, the Library is available by appointment only and contact must be made with the librarian at library@barbmuse.org.bb with the specific research request prior to visiting to book your appointment. Likewise the teacher or facilitator of school groups seeking to visit the library must write the librarian outlining the research goals and the required time of the visit and must accompany and assist with the supervision of students visiting in school groups. Kindly note that visits are at the discretion of the librarian and the numbers are limited due to space considerations and Covid 19 protocols.
Due to limited resources, the library provides guidance and limited research to persons conducting family research.
Yes, the Museum accepts a variety of donations, including gifts of stock and gifts of land. Contact the Development department at da@barbmuse.org.bb if you have questions.
Yes, the Museum conducts school visits for both local and visiting schools.
Yes, we do, site visits are by appointment and can be booked between 9:00am to 3:00pm, Monday to Thursday.
Students wishing to learn more about working in a Museum or commercial heritage environment amongst other areas can access our internship programmes. We service a variety of related subject areas ranging form tourism to theatre arts. To learn more address enquiries to educate@barbmuse.org.bb.
Yes, all persons entering the Museum MUST wear a face mask at all times while on the premises. They are also required sanitize their hands, have their temperature taken sign our guest book upon entry. Information entered in the book will only be used in the event that contact tracing is needed by the relevant local authorities. Persons are required to keep a safe physical distance of 3-6ft when touring the galleries. Galleries are cleaned after each tour group is completed in preparation for following tour.
The Museum is an outdoor venue, surrounded by well-manicured gardens, historic buildings and cobblestone courtyards, which add the perfect natural ambience to any event. We have one covered space, the Walled Garden Theatre which is fully equipped with lighting, sound and a stage but there is no indoor space at the Museum.
Yes, the Museum hosts wedding ceremonies and receptions.
No, the Museum is closed to the public on bank holidays.
Yes, the museum accepts local debit cards, as well as local and international credit cards, such as Master, Visa and American Express.
Yes, we do. You may give to the General Fund, which allows you to support the Museum wherever it needs it most. General donations can cover anything from repairs after disasters to obtaining a new podium for an exhibition. If you prefer to support a specific project, you can give to the Project Fund and let us know which programme you prefer to support.
No. Newspapers are clipped for relevant articles which are filed by subject. Abstracts of historic newspapers such as the Barbadian can be found in the Journal of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society.
The library has two online collections at the following sites:
The Library is not an official repository for Barbados Vital Records. We however have family files and other secondary sources, which include some of these types of records.
The Library seeks to serve its clientele in accordance with COVID-19 protocols. As such, prospective clients are encouraged to make an appointment to avoid being turned away.
The museum provides a variety of support activities including school trips to the museum to highlight syllabus and curriculum objectives, school visits to present specific topics and also online facilitation of requested class concepts. Interested education facilitators can submit requests to educate@barbmuse.org.bb. The museum also has a number of educational resources online which can be accessed here.
You may sign up at the reception desk, or you can click here to sign up online from our membership page. If neither of these options suits you, email the Development Department at da@barbmuse.org.bb and they will assist.
Tours can be booked by contacting the Museum’s Receptionist at 538-0201 or emailing info@barbmuse.org.bb
You can donate in a number of ways:
- Donate in our shop
- Donate using our giving page
- Give to a donation box island wide
- Mail or fax a cheque. Make all cheques payable to the Barbados Museum & Historical Society.
- Send a bank or wire transfer. Email the Development Department at da@barbmuse.org.bb for details
To schedule a site visit please contact our Events Coordinator at marketingadmin@barbmuse.org.bb or 538-0201
Persons must schedule an appointment with the Librarian by calling (246) 538-0201 or emailing Library@barbmuse.org.bb.
To renew your membership, you may:
- Pay in our museum shop
- Pay online using our membership portal
- Mail or fax a cheque. Make all cheques payable to the Barbados Museum & Historical Society.
- Send a bank or wire transfer. Email the Development Department at da@barbmuse.org.bb for details
All memberships renew on an annual basis with the exception of our life membership. However, you may pay several years in advance if you wish.
Interested persons may contact the Librarian directly at library@barbmuse.org.bb or they may contact the Education officer at educate@barbmuse.org.bb
Our Junior Curator programme which spans approximately 8 weeks every July and August is open to applicants aged 16 to 25 years old with an interest in history, heritage and/or culture. Applications open on June 1st every year and a panel of museum professionals interview prospective students who are interested in this leaning and work opportunity which allows students behind the scenes at the museum assisting with activities like collections care and tour guiding.
Guided tours of the Museum are approximately an hour and a half to two hours long.
It takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete a tour of the Museum.
Walking tours should be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
Due to the demand, we suggest that as soon as you have decided to use or location and the date of your event that you book it. To secure your date of choice you must make a 15% deposit plus the caution fee payment to the Museum. Dates are not held unless a payment is made.
The cost of an event is based on a number of variables inclusive of but not limited to the type and the duration of the event. Contact us at marketingadmin@barbmuse.org.bb to request a an event quotation.
Bus tours are offered to the public on a monthly basis from January until November. Strict COVID-19 protocols are in place for all bus tours.
You can follow us on social media @BarbadosMuseum and also subscribe to our events mailing list here.
Unfortunately, the library is located on the first floor and is accessible by a staircase only. However, all efforts will be made to serve disabled clients.
No, not at this time.
There is a kitchenette area at the Museum which can be used by caterers for food prep. In the Kitchenette there is running water, a refrigerator (no freezer), electrical outlets, cupboards and counter space available for use. It can also be used for overnight or same day storage for items if available. Please note that no opened flame is allowed on the compound, therefore no stoves are allowed.
Yes. The Shilstone Memorial Library has been in existence since 1934.
Due to COVID-19 protocols and for your safety the limit for Museum tours is 10 - 15 persons per gallery at any given time.
Yes, you can make the initial down payment, which is 15% of your wedding event fee plus the caution fee (which is refundable as long as there is no damage). You then have up until 4 weeks before your wedding to make the final payment. Installments must be paid in between the time of deposit and final payment.
Yes. Clients may log onto Barbmuse-Guest.
Currently, the Museum hosts a number of after school programmes:
- Heritage Champions – geared towards secondary school aged children
- Lil Heritage Champs – for primary school children
- Wee Heritage Champions –designed for young children 8 years and younger
Being a member of the Barbados Museum comes with a number of benefits. These include:
- Free entry to the Barbados Museum & Historical Society
- Complimentary copy of the annual Journal of the Barbados Museum & Historical Society (Except for Juniors and Students)
- Free access to the Shilstone Memorial Library
- The quarterly Artefacts e-newsletter
- Discount on venue rentals
- Discounts on shop purchases
- Invites to events and openings
- Voting rights at the Annual General Meetings (excepts for Juniors and Students)
Please note that benefits vary based on the membership that you select.
Visitors are expected to wear their mask at all times and keep a social distance of 3-6ft while on tours. There are hand sanitizer stations at the entrance of the Museum Shop and the galleries and you are encouraged to use them frequently as you make your way around the Museum while on your tour.
The grounds, galleries and bathroom facilities of the Barbados Museum are accessible via wheelchair. Our tour guides can assist persons who are vision impaired. Unfortunately, there are no provisions at the moment for visitors who are hearing impaired other than the signage placed at each exhibit.
To host an event at the Museum a minimum 15% deposit is needed to confirm your preferred date and time plus the caution fee. The caution fee is between $250-$700 and will be refunded as long as there is no damage to the property or Museum equipment. You will also be required to secure Public Liability insurance in the sum of $100,000 for small events and up to $500,000 for large events. It is also necessary to secure a COSCAP license if music will be played and a liquor license if alcohol will be served for resale purposes. No open flames allowed on the premises.
Unless booking a guided tour, there are no specified times for tours to the majority of our galleries. However, if you would like to include a tour of the Jairus Brewster Children’s Gallery, it is necessary to schedule an appointment beforehand by contacting us at 538-0201 or info@barbmuse.org.bb. The tour times are 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:10 p.m. and are scheduled in that way to facilitate the sanitization of the gallery in between tours.
Persons are encouraged to walk with at least one bottle of water, a hat, and sunscreen. It is also advised to walk with a small snack to keep energy levels up during the walk. All COVID-19 protocols must be adhered while on tour. You must always wear your mask and you will be required to have your temperature checked and sanitize before the start of the tour.
The Barbados Museum offers a number of wedding packages to meet the varying needs of our clients. Contact our Events Coordinator at marketingadmin@barbmuse.org.bb who will be able to provide you with a cost.
Yes, self-guided tours are $12BDS for Adults (Local), $10BDS for Children (Local), $20BDS for Adults (Visitor) and $10BDS for Children (Visitor). Guided tours of the Museum are $30BDS and of the Garrison are $25BDS. Guided tours of both locations are $40BDS
The admission fee for the Museum varies. Local adults pay $12BDS and local children between ages 5-17 pay $10BDS. Non Barbadians and adult visitors to the island pay $20BDS and children pay $10BDS. Children under the age of 5 years are free of cost. Foreign Students with ID are $10.00BDS.
Persons have the opportunity to tour the galleries at their own pace with a self-guided tour, everything is clearly labelled for a great informative experience.
A guided tour on the other hand provides the opportunity for a visitor to gain a deeper understanding of the artefacts and exhibits found within the galleries. Our knowledgeable guide will lead you through the Museum and explain anecdotes which may not be included in the displays.
Bus Tours are designed to be a full day experience and tend to last between 6-8 hours but if it is a private tour the time can adjusted to match your needs.
The Walled Garden Theatre is the most recent event space offered at the Barbados Museum. It is a fully equipped theatre space which has a stage and built-in sound and lighting equipment and air conditioned dressing rooms for your event needs.
We offer walking guided tours of Bridgetown, the Historic Garrison and the galleries of the Barbados Museum.
The researcher may take a notepad, pencil case, small money purse and laptop or tablet (minus the case) to the study table. All bags must be left in the lockers provided.
When attending the monthly Bus Tours, persons are required to bring a packed lunch, as the Bus makes lunch stop so that persons can enjoy a nice picnic lunch. Persons should also come prepared for a day out where they will receive information from our knowledgeable tour guide as they have fun while learning. For all Bus Tours persons are required to arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the tour so they can be registered and processed for a prompt tour start time.
Visitors should arrive 10-15 minutes before their tour time to ensure they have enough time to complete the ‘Check in’ process at Reception. This includes sanitizing your hands, having your temperature taken and providing your details in the event that contact tracing is needed. Masks must be worn at all time when on tour.
Plays, movie nights, wedding ceremonies and receptions, dinner parties, cocktail events and product launches are just some of the events that have been held in the Walled Garden Theatre. The space can also accommodate lectures, press conferences, talks and other meetings.
You can host any type of event at the Museum; from weddings and receptions, graduations and theatre productions to movie nights, birthday parties, dinner parties and fetes. The possibilities are endless; however, all guests must adhere to the Museum’s COVID-19 protocols.
At the Barbados Museum we have something for everyone! Our membership types are:
- Life – $1,075.00 (local)/ $1,400.00 (overseas)
- Firm/Company – $360.00 (local)/ $400.00 (overseas)
- Joint Annual (spouses) – $94.00 (local)/ $100.00 (overseas)
- Annual – $91.00 (local)/ $90.00 (overseas)
- Student + Young Professional (19-26 years) – $27.00 (local)/ $27.00 (overseas)
- Junior (18 years & under) – $10.00 (local)/ $25.00 (overseas)
The Museum offers a variety of tours for groups and individuals. You can tour the galleries of the Museum which contains the islands rich history either alone, i.e. self-guided or you can book a tour guide to enhance you Museum Tour experience. We also offer walking guided tours of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison which is listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites or you can hop on one of our monthly Bus Tours which visit different parishes and areas of the island each month with a tour guide sharing Barbadians stories and even some tales. It’s a fun day out.
Strict COVID-19 protocols are in place for all tours offered by the Museum. We encourage persons to stay tuned to our social media pages and our website for updates on our tour offerings.
Walking tours can be booked anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m; however, appointments must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance.
The Barbados Museum & Historical Society’s lecture series is generally held annually between March and June and runs for approximately six weeks depending on the subject matter and available resources.
At present, Museum is opened Monday to Saturday from 9am - 4pm.
Please note that times may be adjusted given the COVID-19 situation. Please feel free to call us or visit our social media sites for adjustments to opening hours
At the Museum, we strictly adhere to the time slots to ensure your safety and to prevent overcrowding in galleries. Due to the current environment in which we operate, it is important that strict cleaning and sanitizing regime takes place between each tour. This is especially the case for our Jairus Brewsters Children’s Gallery, due to its’ interactive exhibits which require visitors to be hands-on while they learn and play.