Arlington House Museum
Saint Peter
Arlington House Museum, located in Speightstown, St. Peter, Barbados, is a restored eighteenth-century building that offers visitors an immersive experience into Barbados' colonial and plantation history. The three-story museum features interactive and audiovisual exhibits tailored to educate and engage visitors of all ages, especially children. Highlights include "Speightstown Memories," which explores the lives of the island's first settlers; "Plantation Memories," illustrating the impact of colonization and the sugar cane industry; and "Wharf Memories," where a talking pirate recounts Speightstown's importance as a thriving port and trade hub. The house itself was once owned by the Skinner family, prominent traders in Speightstown, and its simple architectural design served as a model for other merchant homes in the area during the 18th century. The Barbados National Trust restored the house after it was at risk of collapse, preserving an important cultural landmark. Visitors can also participate in a unique escape room experience set within the museum, combining entertainment with historical education. Arlington House Museum is easily accessible by bus, taxi, or car and offers a compelling window into Barbados’ heritage, sugar industry, and colonial era life.
Plan your trip to Barbados with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm and closed on Sundays. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance for groups or special experiences like the escape room. The museum offers discounts for National Trust members and children, with free admission for children under five. Visiting during weekdays may provide a quieter experience. Accessibility by public transport and taxis makes it convenient to reach.
Interesting facts
- •The museum features an interactive escape room that immerses visitors in Barbados' local history and pirate lore.
- •Arlington House's architectural style served as a model for other merchant homes in 18th-century Speightstown.
- •The museum's exhibits cover the lives of Barbados' first settlers, the plantation economy, and Speightstown's role as a major port.
History
Arlington House Museum is housed in a building dating back to the 18th century, originally owned by the Skinner family, prominent traders in Speightstown.
The house's architectural style influenced other merchant homes in the area.
Over time, the building fell into disrepair but was saved and restored by the Barbados National Trust to preserve its historical significance.
The museum now serves to educate visitors about the colonial history of Barbados, the plantation system, and the island's development from the 18th to the 20th century.
Place Guide
Speightstown Memories
An exhibit introducing visitors to the lives and experiences of Barbados' first settlers, providing historical context to the island's early colonial period.
Plantation Memories
This exhibit illustrates the influence of colonization and the sugar cane plantation system on Barbados' social and economic development.
Wharf Memories
A unique exhibit featuring a talking pirate who recounts Speightstown's significance as a leading port and trade hub in the Caribbean.
Escape Room Experience
An immersive escape room inside the museum that blends entertainment with learning about Barbados' history and the pirate era.
Contact
Phone: (246) 422-4064
