The Best of Culture in Jamaica

Description:

The Olympia Complex is home to this gallery and art shop. The art shop sells fine and graphic art supplies, and the frame centre does custom framing. The Olympia Gallery, although not operational, still displays artwork of Jamaica's artists of the 70s and 80s. Be sure to take note of the commanding sculpture of a couple in the central courtyard, source of much controversy when it was first installed :it is now an accepted landmark in the Papine area. The building's architecture is itself an interesting work of art.

Description:

This huge red brick building is the repository of Jamaica's cultural, artistic and scientific history, established in 1879 by former Governor Sir Anthony Musgrave. The Institute's main functions include establishing and maintaining museums and galleries, as well as preserving the island's flora and fauna. Families will enjoy learning about Jamaican culture. The Natural History Gallery is packed full of exotic butterflies, Jamaican seashells, animal specimens, fruits and their seeds, and plants used in Jamaican crafts. The kids can have fun with optical illusions and from visiting the Exhibit Gallery.

Description:

Synonymous with Jamaica's culture is its internationally acclaimed dance troupe, the National Dance Theater Company, which draws impressive crowds for its performances. The Hon. Rex Nettleford established the group more than 30 years ago. If you're lucky, you can catch a performance during your visit. The dances are a celebration of traditional and modern Caribbean dance forms, and the NDTC singers add to the entertainment package. Exhilarating productions are scheduled through the year.

Our Local Expert Says:

Popular with joggers. Don your sneakers and go for a walk in this park

Description:

Independence Park is the Mecca for Jamaica's sporting and cultural activities. You'll know you're there when you notice Bob Marley's statue just before turning into the park from Arthur Wint Drive. This is our National Stadium, the island's premier sports center where 36,000 spectators witnessed the qualification of the national football team for the 1998 World Cup. It is where the hoisting of the black, green and gold flag of Jamaica took place on August 6, 1962. A statue of Olympic gold medallist, Donald Quarrie, stands just outside the stadium.

Our Local Expert Says:

Experience the drama of Bob Marley's life in his old home.

Description:

Centrally located in Liguanea, the Bob Marley Museum was once home to the legend himself. This tour gives you a feel of his life leading up to Bob's death and highlights the legacy he left behind. Complete with a small theatre for viewing a documentary of his successes, the Bob Marley Museum is rich with history and culture. If you get hungry stop by the restaurant and order an 'ital' dish in true Rastafarian style.

Description:

This fun-filled event is an entertaining social commentary on current affairs. A fixture on the local December to May entertainment calendar, pantomime is a mix of lively music, brightly coloured costumes, and song and dance. It is an ideal package for family outings as it appeals at all age groups and social classes. Be prepared, you might just get pulled into the act.