The Dominica Museum

Open

The Dominica Museum is the national museum of Dominica, uniquely situated in the capital, Roseau, and nestled within a 30-second walking distance of both the Garraway Hotel and the Fort Young Hotel. The museum, housed in a building with rich historical roots dating back to 1810, was originally used as a market building and a post office. This location is particularly noteworthy as it was once the center of slave trading during colonial times.

About The Dominica Museum

The Dominica Museum, established in 1995, represents a significant institution in chronicling and preserving the historical and cultural legacy of Dominica. Under the guidance of Dr. Lennox Honychurch, a prominent local historian, the museum extensively covers the island’s geological and archaeological background, along with its colonial history and early European settlement. The building itself is an important historical site in Dominica, offering insights into the island's colonial past and the lives of its early European settlers.

Exhibitions and Displays

• Cultural History: The museum contains a vast array of items that depict the cultural and social history of Dominica.
• Artifacts: Visitors can explore a collection of colonial furniture, old photographs, and portraits of past rulers.
• Indigenous Artifacts: The museum showcases significant pieces related to the Caribs, the island's native inhabitants, documenting their way of life through art.
• Geological and Archaeological Exhibits: The museum also focuses on the geological and archaeological aspects of the island, displaying items like stone axes and volcanic artifacts.
• Musical Heritage: There are displays featuring old musical instruments, emphasizing the island's rich musical traditions.

The Dominica Museum not only presents a comprehensive overview of the island's history and culture but also serves as a focal point for understanding the complex interplay between the Kalinago (Indigenous People, Native Caribs) and European settlers. Its exhibits provide a deep dive into the diverse aspects of life on the island, from politics to everyday living.