Make the Cayman Islands National Museum the first stop on your tour of Grand Cayman and begin to see the real Cayman.
After years of planning, research and professional conservation of acquired artifacts, the Cayman Islands National Museum opened in November 1990 in the restored Old Courts Building in George Town. The attractive building overlooks Hog Sty Bay, and is one of Cayman's few remaining 19th century structures, a survivor of hurricanes and countless Nor'westers. During its 150 years, it has served as a jail and courthouse - and meeting place of worship. The meticulous restoration project won the 1990 American Express Preservation Award for the Caribbean.
The Museum collection contains over 2,000 items, from a 14-ft. traditional hand made catboat to old coins, rare documents and natural history specimens. In 1979 the Cayman Islands Government purchased the late Ira Thompson's private collection of historic memorabilia. This revered Caymanian's hobby spanned almost 50 years and launched the National Museum's original collection.
Cultural and Natural History
Here, you'll learn about this tiny country's fascinating cultural and natural history and the resourceful, independent nature of our seafaring society in a variety of exhibits and a 10-minute audiovisual presentation, "Cayman: Founded Upon the Seas."
Through the exhibits and displays, you will be introduced to a Cayman Islands very different from the sophisticated, cosmopolitan vacation paradise you see today. You'll begin to understand why this country's development is a success story which overcame incredible odds during the last 400 years.
Cayman's total land mass is barely 100 square miles for all three islands. Almost half of that is low-lying mangrove swamp. With few natural resources, there was little base for early industry when the first settlers arrived centuries ago. For many years, Caymanians supported themselves through modest exports of thatch rope, turtling, fishing - and later, working on foreign-owned ships. In fact, as late as the 1950's, Cayman's main export was listed in a Government report as "seamen," who became some of the world's finest ships captains and merchant mariners. Their earnings were the mainstay of the economy until tourism and the offshore financial industry took off in the mid-1970's.
Economic success story
Today, with one of the highest per capita Gross Domestic Product figures in the region, Cayman ranks as the world's second largest captive insurance domicile and fifth largest international banking center. The Cayman Islands shine as one of the Caribbean's leading economic success stories of the last 20 years.
As you leave, stop in the Museum Shop which offers a fine selection of books about Cayman; locally made crafts and high quality gifts, from Christmas tree ornaments to Caymanite jewelry. Then relax in the picturesque courtyard of the Cool Caboose on the south east corner of the Museum and enjoy a tropical fruit drink, ice cream or snacks.
The Museum is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is US$5 for adults and $3 for children. You can become a Member of the National Museum and enjoy a variety of unique benefits including the official newsletter.
For information contact: (345) 949-8368/ Fax: 949-0309.
