[Private] Cultural Museum and Montego Bay Highlights

CULTURAL MUSEUM: Come with us on a cultural journey to experience the true spirit and resilience of the Jamaican people and our rich history! In the heart of Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay you will find the beautiful architecture and splendor of the National Museum West building. Walk the hallowed halls of history where our ancestors once trod and most importantly, come experience a spiritual connection unlike any other. The Montego Bay Cultural Centre offers the most comprehensive historical, cultural and artistic exhibitions of Jamaica’s iconic and contemporary painters, photographers, sculptors and the ‘Freedom Monument’, a tribute to slaves that fought in the 1831 Christmas Day rebellion. National Museum West displays Rastafari exhibition that highlights a comprehensive look into the birth of the Rastafari movement from as far back as 1930 and beyond. Montego Bay to the World exhibition, which is a permanent exhibition that consists of ancient artefacts from the 18th century to post – independent Jamaica is also on display. Another significant feature of the Museum is The Freedom Monument that memorialize the enslaved persons who participated in 1831-32 war of emancipation. Scores of visitors from all over the world, flock to the centre to view the exhibitions. This is a must-do experience that you don’t want to miss!

SAM SHARPE SQUARE: This tour takes you to downtown Montego Bay. Your first 10minutes stop will be at Sam Sharp Square. This area got its name from a freed slave who carried the same name and who led one of the bloodiest uprising in Jamaica on Christmas day in the year 1831. In this area, there is a statue of Sam Sharp and other slaves who were severely punished in the year 1832 for the Christmas day uprising that took place. Feel free to exit the vehicle and browse around. There is also the “Cage” which was originally constructed from wood in the year 1806. However, it was later reconstructed from bricks. The cage was used as a holding area for runaway Slaves who were held there until they were sent back to their plantations. It was also used as a holding area for vagrants and rowdy seamen who would get drunk and was behaving disorderly.

SAINT JAMES PARISH CHURCH: Built in 1775, the St. James Parish Church was described by the famous English artist, James Hakewill, as “the handsomest church on the island” because of its exquisite Georgian architecture. View the numerous memorial tablets and monuments including a marble baptismal font installed in 1848, a large solid organ made of burnished mahogany, constructed in Liverpool, England in 1780; and a brass lectern made in the shape of an eagle with outstretched wings. The church’s interior also features several beautiful murals done by English sculptors from the 18th and 19th centuries, the most famous of which is John Bacon. We encourage you to read the marble plaques and headstones that displays an array of exquisite poems and well wishes written in old English. The most impressive characteristic a three-light Palladian window framed in carved burnished mahogany. The centre light in the window represents the crucifixion, while the sidelights represent the resurrection and ascension of Christ.

RICHMOND HILL GREAT HOUSE SITE: Richmond Hill is where the elegant Richmond Hill Great House once stood. This colonial style Great House which was destroyed by fire on December 30, 2019 was located 500 feet above the hustle and bustle of Montego Bay City. The house was built in 1804 by members of the Dewar family, original owners of the Dewars Whisky. This Great House was strategically built at the highest point in the town centre and was home to several movie scenes including James Bond Movies. Entertainers LL Cool J, Alicia Keys, Eddie Murphy all visited this house. From the Richmond hill you get a panoramic view of the entire city of Montego Bay and beyond. The view is astonishing and stretches over 25 miles (40.23 meters). Your tour guide will tell you all about the rich history of Richmond Hill Great House while doing your walk through. Although the Great House is no longer there, this is still the number one spot to relax, take a breath and take pictures and feel the heartbeat of the city.

CRAFT AND SOUVENIR SHOPPING: The Montego Bay Hip Strip is one of the most active souvenir shopping areas you will find in Jamaica – It’s known for some of the best souvenir shopping ever! There are several gift shops and craft markets selling various kinds of local art and crafts plus other items like T-Shirts, caps, mugs, Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, Rums, Bob Marley and Usain bolt’s memorabilia. There is also duty free shopping, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Starbucks, Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records, Harley Davidson Jamaica, just to name a few of the popular spots. On the Hip Strip you can also find elegant dining and authentic jerk chicken eateries. Most visitors to Montego Bay find the Hip Strip very convenient because of its varieties. Don’t forget to negotiate prices.