Trinidad and Tobago’s National Museum and Art Gallery is not very big, reflecting the country’s small size, but it is housed in a handsome 19th-century two-story building. The art gallery is probably better than the national museum, which is a bit sparse.
In case you are wondering, Trinidad and Tobago is a two-island nation in the Caribbean where I grew up, and is notable for being oil-rich and the home of one of the world’s best Carnivals.
The museum is on the first floor, covering the Spanish colonial era which began in 1498 after Christopher Colombus’ arrival, followed by the British colonial period from 1797, and then independence in 1962. Not to be left out are the Amerindians (local indigenous people who are sadly almost extinct) whose presence is acknowledged with some artifacts. There is also a room dedicated to Trinidad’s oil industry with some machinery and photos.
Upstairs is the art gallery, which is significantly more upbeat and vivid. There are a number of very beautiful paintings including a room filled with 19th-century landscape paintings by Michael-Jean Cazabon, Trinidad’s first well-known painter.
Given that Trinidad is my country, I got to be harsh and say that the museum section is a little disappointing and needs a major upgrade in terms of exhibits and the state of the rooms. Trinidad is a small country but with a history of over 500 years and a very diverse culture, there is so much more that could be featured.
Art gallery
Even if it’s small, it’s nice to see a bit of a country I basically don’t know anything about!
Thanks, I’m glad you liked the post. Trinidad also used to be a Spanish colony from 1498-1797 though we don’t speak Spanish. We do have a few Spanish place names and Christmas music (called parang) and food (pastelles, a kind of flour-based meat and olive pastry).
Interesting, haha. Pasteles is cakes or pies in Spanish!
The first thing I did after reading this post was check airfare to T&T! 😊
It’s got nice forests, interesting cultural mix, and is different from the stereotypical touristy Caribbean island. The only issue is that violent crime is kind of high.
And that flight schedules are terrible from my city… I could get to Hong Kong faster! 😆
Ha, yes, flight links to Trinidad are not plentiful. For me, I transfer through Toronto as I would need to apply for a visa if I go through the US.