For a small island country, The Bahamas punches above its weight when it comes to arts and culture, reflecting a rich tapestry made from African, British and American influences. That means going in search of a break from the beach leaves visitors and residents spoiled for choices. Here are 15 stops when you’re in search of less sand and more soul.
National Gallery
Located in downtown Nassau, this is the country’s leading institution for Bahamian art. Their exhibitions feature both classic and contemporary pieces, plus an outdoor art park, artists talks and a museum gift shop with artisan items and souvenirs. Free on Sundays for Bahamian residents.
West & West Hill St, Nassau
The Current
A vibrant cultural hub representing a dynamic roster of leading artists from The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean, The Current also offers a busy schedule of art workshops and private lessons. Their boutique is expertly curated, featuring handmade goods by some of the country’s top artists, including original art prints, apparel, accessories, home décor, ceramics, jewelry and one-of-a-kind gifts — all oozing with Bahamian charm.
One Baha Mar Blvd, Nassau
Doongalik Studios Art Gallery
This hidden gem located just off Village Road is run by the wife of the late Bahamian artist Jackson Burnside. Here, you’ll find a rich selection of vibrant Bahamian art plus books, ceramics and other handmade items. They also host a farmers’ market during high season every Saturday from 9:00am – 1:00pm. Together with the Craft Cottage next door, this is where you’ll find the most authentic Bahamian gifts.
#20 Village Rd, Nassau
CAB
Located far west on New Providence Island, this studio and gallery represent the finest contemporary Bahamian artists and offers curatorial services for home and commercial spaces. CAB also runs a series of art classes and events for visitors, including a self-led art bar where families can create their own masterpiece, and fun themed workshops like “Bead Your Bikini.”
S Ocean Rd, Nassau
TERN
This small but worldly contemporary art gallery focuses on emerging and mid-career artists from The Bahamas and wider Caribbean. They also offer art advisory services to private and commercial clients. The TERN gallery is part of the Island House development, a 5-star boutique hotel and private club with several restaurants, live entertainment and a plush cinema.
Mahogany Hill, Western Rd, Nassau
Pompey Museum
One of several museums located in downtown Nassau, Pompey delves into the history of the slave trade in the country and the subsequent the emancipation of Bahamians in 1838. You’ll find everything from artifacts to information covering slavery-related topics. The museum also explores important issues in the wider world today, including how various forms of slavery continue. This is a thought-provoking addition to any trip.
2 Bay St, Nassau
Junkanoo Museum
Located in the Nassau Cruise Port, the Junkanoo Museum showcases the zenith of Bahamian culture – Junkanoo, which is a stunning parade of color, sound and motion held just after Christmas every year. Every year, Bahamians spend months creating costumes, choreographing routines and practicing instruments in preparation for the big show. The parade is a gorgeous symbol of freedom, resilience and cultural pride.
Prince George Wharf, Nassau
Pirates of Nassau
This one is a winner with both kids and adults. The Bahamas was a hotbed for pirates in the late 1700s, and this museum gives an entertaining peek into life as a pirate during that time. Take a sensory trip into the rough-and-tumble lifestyle, with replica scenes featuring gritty sounds of pirate life. The tour is full of fun facts like how pirates looted treasure, and the punishments one would face for violating the “pirate’s code.” A short life, but a merry one; it was truly the wild west!
King and George St, Nassau
D’Aguilar Art Foundation
The D’Aguilar Art Foundation was launched in 2008 with the initiative to preserve and expand the comprehensive art collection of Bahamian businessman, engineer and philanthropist Vincent D’Aguilar, fulfilling his desire to highlight and showcase the islands’ creativity. Now directed by his daughter-in-law Saskia D’Aguilar, the collection is known as one of the most extensive, privately held art collections in The Bahamas.
8A Virginia St, Nassau
V&M Art Gallery
V&M Art Gallery is the home of the late Vincent and Marina D’Aguilar’s private collection. Known as fervent supporters of Bahamian art, the couple’s expansive collection is now permanently displayed through V&M’s two-story space, with rooms curated around various themes.
West Bay St, New Providence
Sixty 2 Sixty
Spotlighting local artists, cultural organizations and the value of creativity, Sixty 2 Sixty aims to attract people of all ages and backgrounds to view and create art. The contemporary art gallery represents both established and emerging artists while engaging the public through exhibitions, a kids art club and “Paint n Sip” classes.
Bay St, Nassau
Hillside House
Hillside House is not only an artistic haven — it’s a piece of Bahamian history. Originally built in the 1700s, the historic space was transformed by Hillside House founder Antonius Roberts into the creative hub, art gallery and studio it is today in 2012. Roberts’ vision to create a space for conversation while preserving Bahamian heritage is reflected throughout the property.
13 Cumberland St, Nassau
Incubator for Collaborative Expression
Incubator for Collaborative Expression (I.C.E.), the sister site to Hillside House, reflects Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts’ vision for a space where creativity, conservation and community intersect. Set within a repurposed warehouse, the multidisciplinary hubbrings together artists, educators, scientists and entrepreneurs while continuing Roberts’ legacy of revitalizing historic and abandoned spaces across The Bahamas.
hillsidehousegallery.com/icebahamas
Old Trail Rd, Nassau
The Pro Gallery
Located on the University of The Bahamas’ Oakes Field campus, The Pro Gallery serves as an incubator for the country’s emerging creative talent. In addition to showcasing exhibitions by students, alumni and visiting artists, the gallery hosts workshops, seminars and collaborations with Transforming Spaces, an annual art tour showcasing the best of contemporary Bahamian visual art.
University Dr, Nassau
Poinciana Paper Press
Founded by writer and bookmaker Sonia Farmer, Poinciana Paper Press is a multidisciplinary creative studio dedicated to books and their allied crafts. Home to printmaking, letterpress, papermaking and bindery studios, the space also hosts workshops and community events and houses Rabble! Bookshop, a thoughtfully curated source for books, handmade prints and locally made goods.
