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Andres Hung ♦
Arriving at the Museum of Belize with my family on a bright Saturday afternoon in August, I was initially not sure what to expect. The entire building, which spans much of the wide grassy area that surrounds it, consists of two floors – both exteriorly designed with identical rows of barred windows. One main difference, though, is that the outer wall of the top floor has a complementary design of neatly arranged bricks, while the wall of the lower floor is coated with a cool white paint. Surrounding the building is a large fence that gives a feeling of modernity, despite seeming strange to me initially. As it turns out, the building was actually once a prison that was later renovated into a museum. According to the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), the museum was once known as Her Majesty’s Prison until it was closed in 1993 and later renovated in 2002.
The irony that a building that houses much history is itself a part of history is something that I found really enticing to ponder—I was excited to see what it had to offer.
Upon entering the building, we were met with a friendly attitude from the lady behind the counter. “There’s no charge for Belizeans visiting the museum on Saturdays,” she informed us. What a pleasant surprise!
Entering the door to the right, the first exhibit to behold is about Belize’s history and people. The atmosphere enthralled us immediately, with its thematic brick walls and scattered lights reminiscent of an oppressive prison. However, you won’t actually feel oppressed, given the air conditioning. Covering topics such as old towns, the slave trade, folklore, and lifestyle of Belizeans during past eras, you’ll find many posters with rich information and even proverbs. If reading is not your thing, you will be pleased to observe the many pictures and ancient artifacts displayed alongside the posters. And if that isn’t enough, there is a small area with a headset where you can listen to audio recordings about the past.
I definitely recommend experiencing all of it. There’s a lot to learn from history, and perhaps you will gain new perspectives that you might not have considered before.
Moving on to the left side of the building, there are many more artifacts of the past. Numerous old glass bottles, presumably liquor bottles, in addition to old currency are amongst the many items decorating the hallway. In a small room all by itself is a beautiful art gallery with works by Belizean artists: abstract art, cultural art, landscape art, realistic art, and unique crafts against the plain white walls that help you to focus on and appreciate the talent. Opposite the art gallery is a souvenir shop. “Probably too expensive…,” commented my brother. While he might have been right, a souvenir is certainly worth considering as a gift for friends and family, both local and abroad. At the end of the hallway, we observed a staircase leading to the second floor. What more could there be?
Upstairs is a large room, but it was mostly empty at the time. Unfortunately for us, the exhibit on the Maya civilization (a history which occurred way before that in the previous exhibit), was under renovation. Still, there were many posters about Mayan artifacts and hieroglyphics, culture, and the effects of colonialism. By the time you read this article the renovations should be finished, so don’t be discouraged.
Further inward, we encountered another exhibit that we did not expect: a display of many bird species of Belize. We admired the many life-like stuffed birds hung low enough that one could almost touch them (but no touching is allowed, of course). Accompanying these birds are infographics about each bird’s name, habitat, and lifestyle. Some of the many species included the groove-billed ani, blue-gray tanager, and the spectacled owl. The last notable exhibit features many insect species. Just like the bird exhibit, you can expect to find many well-preserved species along with infographics: bees, ladybugs, butterflies, and many more. Perhaps if you are like me, you’ll find these contrasting sections unique and refreshing.
Indeed, the Museum of Belize has many things to offer. It is an invaluable experience to any Belizean and offers a unique learning experience and a wondrous display of history. I can’t recommend it enough. While you are busy with life’s non-stop activities, don’t forget to appreciate our country’s history and natural environment. Visit the Museum of Belize on 5 Eve Street, Belize City. It is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on Sundays and Mondays. The entry fee is only ten dollars $10.00, and it’s free for Belizeans on Saturdays. ♦
Photos by Andres Hung
Andres Hung is a student at the University of Belize majoring in chemistry and biology. His hobbies include art, music, and surfing the web.