Arlington House Museum: A Glimpse into 18th-Century Barbados

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Explore interactive exhibits at Arlington House Museum, revealing Speightstown's captivating history and Barbados's cultural heritage.

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Arlington House Museum

Step back in time at Arlington House Museum, an interactive museum in Speightstown housed in a restored 18th-century building. Explore exhibits detailing Speightstown's history, the plantation era, and the town's role as a trading hub.

A brief summary to Arlington House Museum

Speightstown, Saint Peter, BB
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-3 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Arlington House Museum.

Allow at least 1.5-2 hours to fully explore the museum's three floors of exhibits.
Visit the gift shop for books on local history and unique souvenirs.
Combine your visit with a stroll through Speightstown to appreciate the town's historic architecture.

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Getting There

Walking

Arlington House Museum is centrally located in Speightstown and easily accessible on foot. From the Speightstown Bus Terminal, walk south along Queen Street. The museum will be on your left, a short distance from the terminal.
Public Transport

The most common way to reach Speightstown is by bus. From Bridgetown, take the #27 bus to the Speightstown Terminal. The fare is BBD 3.50. From the terminal, Arlington House Museum is a short walk south on Queen Street.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Barbados. A taxi from Bridgetown to Speightstown costs approximately BBD 67 - 68. From anywhere in Speightstown, a taxi ride to Arlington House Museum will be short and inexpensive, costing around BBD 15-20.

Discover more about Arlington House Museum

Arlington House Museum, nestled in the heart of Speightstown, offers a captivating journey into Barbados's rich history and cultural heritage. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century building, this interactive museum provides an engaging experience for all ages.Originally built around 1750, Arlington House stands as a testament to the architectural styles of the era. For over two centuries, it remained in the hands of the Skinner family, prominent merchants who played a vital role in Speightstown's development as a thriving trading hub. The house's design is believed to have served as a model for similar merchant homes built in Charlestown, South Carolina, highlighting the close ties between Barbados and the American colonies.The museum's exhibits are spread across three floors, each dedicated to a specific theme that explores different facets of Barbados' past. The ground floor, known as "Speightstown Memories," transports visitors back to the early days of the town, offering a glimpse into the lives of its first settlers and the bustling commercial activity that defined its character. The first floor delves into "Plantation Memories", exploring the impact of colonization, the sugar cane industry and slavery. The second floor, "Wharf Memories", presents Speightstown's role as a leading port and trade hub with a talking pirate exhibit.