Visiting the different museums in Bermuda is a unique experience that should never be missed by anyone who has this magnificent opportunity. Apart from being an extraordinary travel destination, Bermuda also has a deep naval history, which is showcased throughout its various museums. Let’s explore.
National Museum of Bermuda
Bermuda National Museum – Commissioner’s House
The National Museum of Bermuda could be said to be one of the most popular forts in Bermuda. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore the local history and culture of Bermuda, as well as a number of collections, including the Royal Navy Collection, the Treasure House, the Dainty Ocean Racer and several other interesting exhibitions.
You will then find dolphins swimming in the fort’s lagoon. Quite a remarkable site as it is. Anyone who enters the museum can watch the dolphins as well.
Starting off in 2014, the museum has 18 collections on display, with others planned. You will find cannons, local maritime artifacts and art, and spectacular views. So go take a look at Bermuda’s shipwreck artifacts and much more.
Admissions Phone Number: 1-441-234-1418
Museum Phone Number: 1-441-234-1333
Email: info@bmm.bm
Location: The museum entrance can be found behind the Frog and Onion Restaurant in Dockyard.
Hours of Operation:
Spring and Summer Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm (last admission is allowed in at 4:00pm)
Weekends/Holidays
9:30AM – 5:00PM
Winter
10:00AM – 5:00PM
Closed December 25th
Admissions:
Members: Free with membership card
Adults (Above 16 years old): $18
Seniors (Above 65): $15
Children (under 16): Free
Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo
Located at 40 North Shore Road, Flatts, FL04, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo is one of the most impressive attractions in Bermuda. The aquarium and zoo offers you the opportunity to learn about more than 200 species, all found in various Bermuda ecosystems – shallow waters, reefs, and the deep ocean surrounding the island.
You will see many of the species in their 140,000 gallon main tank which is the North Rock Exhibit, which in my opinion, is the best place on the island to snorkel. I am talking about snorkeling at North Rock, not the aquarium! Along with the many marine species on display, you will find more than 300 birds, reptiles, and mammals that find habitats on oceanic islands similar to Bermuda, such as the Caribbean, Australasia, and Madagascar.
Phone: (441) 293-2727
Email: info.bzs@gov.bm
Hours of Operation:
Open Daily (except Christmas Day): 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (last admission is allowed in at 4:00pm)
Zoo exhibits close at 4:30pm.
BAMZ Facility closes at 5:00pm.
Gift Shop Hours (except Christmas Day): 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission information:
Adults (13 years old and up): $10
Senior Citizens: $5
Children (5-12 years old): $5
Children under 5 years old are free.
Their facility is wheelchair accessible.
Annual Memberships:
Student: $10
Senior: $15
Individual: $45
Family or Grandparent: $75
Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
The BUEI aims to teach visitors about the underwater world in not just Bermuda, but the oceans all around our beautiful world as well. Located at 40 Crow Lane, Pembroke, and just outside the City of Hamilton, the museum offers several exhibitions located on different levels of the building. The most notable ones are Bermuda Revealed, Science at Sea, The Dive, Shark Cage, The Treasure Room and Shipwreck Gallery. The BUEI’s goal is to amaze, excite, and educate each visitor.
Phone: (441) 292-7219
Email: info@buei.bm
Hours of Operation:
Open Weekdays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Open Weekends: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Last Admission 1 Hour Before Closing!
Admissions:
Adults (Above 17 years): $15
Senior (65 and over): $12
Children (6-17 years old): $8
Children (5 to 3): $3
Child (Under 2): Free
Members: Free
Phone: (441) 292-7219 | info@buei.org
Bermuda National Gallery
BNG is considered to be the dynamic center of inspiration through art, collections, innovative exhibitions, and impactful learning programs and partnerships. Highest standard certified museum by the Bermuda National Standards Committee is also engaged in bringing the art experience to Bermuda’s youth with educational programs for all ages through ArtReach program, Youth Art Council.
Each year, the BNG shows three temporary exhibitions as well as smaller installations and special events. Every two years, The Bacardi Limited Biennial steps forward with contemporary Bermuda art in an international juried exhibition.
Address: 2nd Floor, City Hall 17 Church Street Hamilton HM 11 Bermuda
Hours: Monday Close – Tuesday to Friday – 10am to 4pm Saturday – 10am to 2pm Closed on all public holidays
Website: http://bermudanationalgallery.com/
Email: director@bng.bm
Phone: 441-295-9428
Admission fees: Free for BNG members; $5 Admission fee for non-members
Bermuda National Trust Museum
Bermuda National Trust Museum is a cultural attraction spot where people come to enjoy natural, architectural and historic treasures that are carefully kept all the time. There are several smaller museums and historical buildings you can visit, and you will find them and their information below:
Waterville: Built around 1725, you will be able to see into the life of early settlers in Bermuda. There is a rose garden on the grounds as well, and the property hosts many weddings and other events throughout the year.
Located at 2 Pomander Road, Paget, Bermuda
Phone: (441) 236-6483
Email: palmetto@bnt.bm
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Admission is free
Historic Tucker House
There are two exhibits at this museum which is housed in a home built in the 1750s. There is a famous Bermuda family, the Tuckers, and on display are their family’s artifacts and collections – silver, china, hand-sewn quilts, crystal, old Bermuda cedar furniture, and more. You will also learn about the local family’s ties to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.
Another exhibit on display is the Rainey Exhibit. Joseph Rainey from South Carolina was a free black man who operated a barber shop in or near the Tucker House kitchen from 1862-1865 after escaping the South during the Civil War. He left Bermuda for the Carolinas and became the first African American in the United States House of Representatives. In this exhibit you will be able to see how Joseph Rainey and his wife possibly lived and worked and the life he led in Bermuda before becoming a part of U.S. history.
Located at 5 Water Street, St. George’s
Phone: (441) 297-0545
Hours of Operation:
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Call or email before arriving as they may not be open.
Admission:
Adults $5,
Children (6-18 years) $2
Children under 5 years old are free.
The Bermuda Society of Arts
The Bermuda Society of Arts hosts shows featuring a diverse mix of artists from all ages and backgrounds. It also consists of art work from the expatriate or resident foreign. Located at The City Hall Arts Centre, it encompasses galleries the largest of which is the Onions Gallery comprising 2,000 square feet, next is the Edinburgh Gallery at 650 square feet and two smaller studios; Studio A and Studio B at 450 square feet each.
With the changes of themes in approximately 3 weeks, it provides dynamic doorway to new experiences on the power of art to transcends beliefs, cultures, and preconceptions.
Address: The City Hall Arts Centre, 17 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11 Bermuda
Tel: (441) 292-3824
Website: www.bsoa.bm
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 10:00am-4:00pm, Sat 10:00am-2:00pm, Sun & Hols Closed
Admission: Free
Fort St. Catherine
The fort, probably one of Bermuda’s more well-known one, houses a fantastic museum that displays Bermuda’s vibrant history, with a strong emphasis on the island’s military past. The fort and the surrounding historical sites in St. Georges Parish are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum had a makeover in 2012 and now has many new displays and previously closed off areas that are free to roam.
Located at 15 Coot Pond Road, St. Catherine’s Point, St. Georges, Bermuda.
Email: fortstcatherine@gmail.com
Phone: (441) 297-1920
Hours of Operation:
Daily – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Admission:
Adults $7
Children (5-15y): $3
Seniors (65+): $5.00
Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art
The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art opened in 2008, and is the first purpose built art museum in Bermuda housing an extensive collection of Bermuda-inspired artwork. The foundation also conducts artistic and architectural tours around Bermuda to showcase its unique mix of worldly influences. Some permanent exhibitions include works by artists who spent time on Bermuda such as Winslow Homer, Georgia O’ Keefe, and Jack Bush. Schools can avail of special educational programs and tours.
Address: Botanical Gardens, 183 South Shore Road., Paget
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday closed.
Phone: (441) 299-4000
Admission fees: 5$ ( free for children under 12 and members)
Telephone: (441) 299-4000
Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard
Right from the experimental textile wall hangings to traditional scenes in watercolor, Arts Centre is bound to capture your interest and imagination. Through the change of art works in every six weeks, local artists offers diverse creativity of the art community in Bermuda.
Address: Royal Naval Dockyard, 4 Freeport Road, Sandys Parish
Telephone: 441 234 2809
Fax: 441 234 0504
Email: bermudaartscentre@gmail.com
Hours: 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM, seven days a week
Free Admission