The Museum of Belize

May 2, 2021
by Belize Hub +

Built more than 150 years ago by the British colonial government to house prisoners, the facility in central Belize City was closed down by the newly-independent government of Belize in 1992. Ten years later, the government of Belize renovated the building, converting it to the Belize Museum, now dedicated to exhibiting and documenting more than 3,000 years of history in the area.

Why You Have To Visit The Museum Of Belize In Belize City

Belize was once the heartland of the ancient Mayan Empire and today, visitors can see a rich assembly of Mayan ceremonial objects, carvings, paintings, and other cultural artifacts in the Belize Museum. The museum also has a number of important artifacts from the British colonial era, including Victorian-era stamps, postcards and a display about the loggers who once braved malaria and swamps in the country. There are also coin, insects, and locally-produced bottles on display. A tour of the museum also includes the chance to experience an authentic prison cell, as well as learn about the devastation that Hurricane Hattie wreaked on the nation in 1961.

Probably the most evocative exhibition is on the botfly and how it uses decaying human flesh to feed its larvae. The museum also regularly conducts workshops and showcases temporary exhibitions.

Where In Belize Is The Museum Of Belize?

The museum is located in Belize City just a few hundred meters from the coastline near the intersection of Queen and Eve Streets.

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When Is The Best Time To Do A Tour Of The Museum Of Belize

The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesday through Thursday and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. The museum is closed on Monday and on national holidays.

How To Get To The Museum Of Belize

The museum is located in downtown Belize City in the Fort George area. While it has no official address, the large brick building, still resembling a prison from the outside, is easy to spot near the intersection of Queen and Eve Streets.

Best Way To Experience The Museum Of Belize

Guided tours must be arranged in advance. During the school year, the museum conducts an art class from 3:30 to 4:45 on Mondays and Wednesdays. The fee to enter the museum for locals and foreigners alike is 10 Belizean dollars.