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Arlington House Museum: A Glimpse into Speightstown's Past

Explore interactive exhibits at Arlington House Museum in Speightstown, Barbados, and discover the island's captivating history and cultural heritage.

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Step back in time at Arlington House Museum, an interactive three-story museum in Speightstown, Barbados. Housed in a restored 18th-century building, the museum vividly portrays Barbadian life between the 18th and 20th centuries through engaging exhibits and displays.

A brief summary to Arlington House Museum

Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays to avoid larger crowds and have a more intimate experience with the exhibits.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore all three floors and interactive displays.
  • Check out the gift shop for books on local history and unique souvenirs.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Arlington House Museum is easily accessible by public bus from various points on Barbados. From Bridgetown, take the #27 bus to Speightstown Terminal. From Holetown, also take the #27 bus. From the Speightstown Terminal, the museum is a short walk away. Bus fare is $3.50 BBD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Barbados and can take you directly to Arlington House Museum in Speightstown. A taxi from Grantley Adams International Airport to Speightstown costs approximately $65-$80 BBD and takes around 34 minutes. From Holetown, a taxi ride to Speightstown is about $23-$28 BBD and takes approximately 8 minutes. Be sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey.

  • Walking

    Arlington House Museum is located in the heart of Speightstown, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby points of interest. If you are already in Speightstown, simply walk along Queen Street to find the museum. There are sidewalks available.

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Discover more about Arlington House Museum

Arlington House Museum, nestled in the heart of Speightstown, St. Peter, offers a captivating journey into Barbados's rich history. This meticulously restored 18th-century building, once owned by the Skinner family, prominent traders in Speightstown, stands as a testament to the island's architectural heritage. Its design served as a model for other merchant homes of the era, even influencing architecture in Charleston, South Carolina. The museum spans three floors, each dedicated to a different facet of Barbadian history. "Speightstown Memories" on the ground floor, explores the lives of the town's early settlers and its bustling trading past. "Plantation Memories" delves into the impact of colonization, the sugar cane industry, and slavery on the island. Finally, "Wharf Memories" recounts Speightstown's significance as a leading port and trade hub, complete with a talking pirate who shares tales of the infamous Barbadian pirate, Stede Bonnet. Interactive exhibits, sound effects, videos, and displays bring history to life, making it an engaging experience for all ages. Visitors can explore a replica jetty, man a schooner helm, and immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of bygone Barbados. The museum also highlights the architectural significance of the building itself, constructed with coral, limestone, and a mortar of egg whites and molasses. Arlington House stands as a reminder of Speightstown's pivotal role in shaping Barbados's cultural and economic landscape.

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