When one thinks of the Bahamas, they often think of sun, sand and surf. They think of spending their days beneath forests of breezy palms, seeing the islands sights, scuba diving and snorkeling in the surrounding azure seasons and perhaps simply enjoying the laid back atmosphere of a Caribbean island. But it’s important to note that the Bahamas are not merely a grouping of idyllic islands, they have a long, rich history. A blend of Caribbean, West African culture that is unlike any other in the world and a strong artistic tradition. If you take some time away from the beach, you’ll find that the Bahamas offer up a wonderful array of cultural activities, including a visit to the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
The museum is located in the historic Villa Doyle, constructed in the 1860’s and restored in the 1990’s after years of dilapidation. The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is responsible for preserving the nations collection of Bahamian Art. The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas was established by an Act of Parliament, and was the first of its kind in the history of the country. Prime Minister Hubert A. Ingram first made the announcement in 1996 as an extension of various museums around the country. Much of the museums works are permanently displayed on the ground floor, and the upper galleries help to engage the visitor, to educated them about the history of Bahamian Art and Visual culture. The exhibit tracks the beginnings of Bahamian art traditions, right through to more contemporary examples, but most importantly, the museum is a place for Bahamians to come and see the incredible works of their own people, and a place for the world to come admire, and learn about the beautiful Bahamian culture.
If you have a Bahamas vacation on the books, you may have endless hours of sunbathing and poolside relaxation in mind, but one of the most important aspects of traveling, is to learn about the history of the region you’re visiting. The Bahamas is far more than pristine beaches and miles of palm tree forests, it has a long, rich history, and to come here and miss out on all of that would be a shame. If art isn’t your thing, there are number of historic landmarks you can wander through, that bring the region’s history to life. Built sometime around 1793, Fort Finn Castle is a site to behold, perched atop the Queen’s Staircase on Bennett’s Hill. Or visit the ruins of two island plantations, Armbrister and Deveaux, dating back to the 18th century. But don’t stop there, close by is Mount Alvernia Hermitage, a beautiful little monastery built by Father Jerome in the first half of the 20th Century. And don’t forget to pay homage to the most visited tourist attractions in all of the Bahamas, the Queen’s Staircase located in Nassau. Dating back to the 18th century, constructed from solid limestone, 65 steps of the staircase are a sober reminder of the presence of slavery in the Caribbean and around the world.
By all means, come enjoy the sun, sand and surf of this exquisite archipelago, but don’t discount that its history is some of the most fascinating, and most important, considering its the place where the discovery of the New World began!
