Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city, is the best place to visit if one wishes to learn all about Jamaican history; particularly its cultural and musical heritage.
There are a good number of museums that you can visit here, with each one offering a glimpse into Jamaica’s colorful past.
The Institute of Jamaica Museums in Kingston – Jamaica is one such museum that displays the cultural diversity of the country and a visit here is recommended for those who want to learn more about Jamaica.
Location
The Institute of Jamaica Museums in Kingston – Jamaica is located at 10-16 East Street.
Getting There
Getting around Kingston is relatively easy as the city has an excellent bus system, which has recently been upgraded.
There are frequent bus routes that you can take to get to the Institute of Jamaica Museums in Kingston – Jamaica.
There are likewise taxis that you can take around the city and some of these run the same routes as the buses.
What to See and Do
The Institute of Jamaica Museums in Kingston – Jamaica houses permanent and temporary exhibits on Jamaican history from its political and cultural perspectives as well as exhibits on the various flora and fauna including species of both that are endemic to the country.
Kids are sure to enjoy the interactive display on the country’s flora and fauna, some of which are considered as some of the rarest in the world.
Documents and literary materials are also on display at the museum.
Alongside the museum is the National Library of Jamaica where some of the most relevant publications in the entire West Indies can be found.
Apart from these, the Institute of Jamaica Museums in Kingston – Jamaica is also responsible for a number of other museums around Kingston such as the National Gallery of Jamaica and the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank.
Brief History
The Institute of Jamaica Museums in Kingston – Jamaica was established in the year 1879 under the leadership of Sir Anthony Musgrave who was then the Governor of Jamaica.
Its aim is to promote literature, science and art in the country.
Although smaller in scale and size, the Institute has been likened to the British Museum and the United State’s Smithsonian Museum in terms of the importance of its exhibitions.
Cost
To visit the Institute of Jamaica Museums in Kingston – Jamaica, an entry fee of about US$ 2 per adult and US$ 1 per child, is charged.
For the National Gallery of Jamaica, entry fees are around J$ 250 per adult and J$ 100 for senior citizens and teachers visiting with their students.
Kids and students with valid Identification Cards get free admission.
For the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica, entry fees are J$ 300 per person.
Other Information
The Institute of Jamaica Museums in Kingston – Jamaica is open from 9:30 in the morning up to 4:30 in the afternoon between Monday and Thursday; and up to 3:30 in the afternoon on Fridays.
The African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica is open daily from 10 in the morning up to 4 in the afternoon while the National Gallery of Jamaica is open from 10 in the morning up to 4:30 in the afternoon from Tuesday thru Thursday.
Fridays, it is open until 4 in the afternoon; and Saturdays, it is open until 3 in the afternoon.
