The Museum of Belize is located in the Fort George area of downtown Belize City, just a few hundred metres from the coastline near the intersection of Queen and Eve Streets. The easiest and most popular way to get to Belize is by flying into the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. From there, you can get to the museum by plane, bus, water taxi, boat, car, or even kayak. The distance from the airport to the museum is around 11.4 km, which takes approximately 15 minutes by car.
What You'll Learn
The Belize Museum is in a former prison
The Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City is the country's main airport and the easiest way to get to Belize. The distance from the airport to the Belize Museum is not specified, but the museum is located in the Fort George District of Belize City.
The Belize Museum, also known as the Museum of Belize, is housed in the country's former main jail, a brick building constructed between 1854 and 1857 while Belize was still a British colony. It replaced a nearby wooden prison and served as the Belize City Prison until 1993 when prisoners were transferred to the Hattieville Prison, now known as the Belize Central Prison.
In 2002, the former prison underwent restoration and renovation to become the national museum. The museum offers a glimpse into Belize's history and culture, showcasing exhibits on slavery, colonial life, and ancient Mayan artefacts, including Mayan jade, ceramics, and sculptures. Visitors can also explore the history of the prison itself, view a real prison cell, and learn about Belize's insect life and coins.
The Belize Museum is a modern facility that provides a comprehensive overview of the country's story, told through fascinating displays, historical photos, and documents from the colonial and independence eras. It is located in the Fort George District of Belize City, providing easy access for visitors interested in exploring Belize's rich cultural and historical heritage.
Belize's Wild Secret: Tigers in the Tropics?
You may want to see also
It's in the Fort George area of Belize City
The Museum of Belize is located in the Fort George District of Belize City. This modern museum, built in the country's former main jail, offers an excellent overview of the story of Belize. It is a great place to spend an afternoon, offering a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Belize.
Fort George is a historic neighbourhood in Belize City. It is home to old wooden colonial houses, hotels, NGO headquarters, and embassies along the coast. The Fort George Hotel and Spa is a popular place to stay, offering a holistic hospitality experience with sophisticated design, elevated culinary offerings, and inspiring wellness services. The hotel has a dedicated and friendly transportation team, making it a great base for excursions to other areas of central Belize.
The Fort George area also features the Baron Bliss Lighthouse and Memorial, located at the mouth of the Belize River. Baron Bliss, Belize's most famous benefactor, is buried at the foot of the lighthouse.
Belize City is located on a peninsula that juts out into the Belize City, and it is easily accessible by plane, with the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport located in the city. Getting around Belize is easy, with lots of transportation options and a great infrastructure.
Belize: Business Opportunities for Expats
You may want to see also
It's a few hundred metres from the coastline
The Museum of Belize is located in the country's former main jail, a large brick building in the Fort George area of downtown Belize City. It is just a few hundred metres from the coastline, near the intersection of Queen and Eve Streets. The museum is easy to spot, as it still resembles a prison from the outside.
Belize is located in Central America, with the Caribbean Sea to the east, Mexico to the north, and Guatemala to the west and south. The easiest way to get to Belize is by flying into the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. From the airport, you can get to the museum by plane, bus, taxi, car, or even kayak!
Once you are in Belize City, there are several transportation options to get around. The city has a good bus system that is both inexpensive and reliable. Buses can be caught at bus terminals or flagged down on the roadside. Taxi companies also operate in Belize City, and their vehicles can be identified by their green license plates. Car rental is another option, with agencies located in the city and at the international airport.
The Museum of Belize is a short distance from the coastline, making it convenient for visitors to explore the rich history and culture of Belize, including exhibits on the colonial and independence eras, slave history, and Mayan artefacts.
The Mystery of John from Belize: Unraveling the Hometown Hero's Disappearance
You may want to see also
The museum showcases over 3,000 years of history
The Belize Museum is located in the Fort George District of Belize City and is housed in the country's former main jail, built of brick between 1854 and 1857. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Belize, showcasing over 3,000 years of Maya history, as well as exhibits on colonial and independence eras, slave history, and a contemporary art gallery.
The Maya Treasures section, located upstairs, features impressive examples of Maya jade, ceramics, and sculptures. While many of Belize's finest Maya artefacts have been taken to other countries, the museum still boasts a impressive collection. Visitors can also explore informative models and explanations of major Maya sites around the country.
In addition to its Maya artefacts, the museum showcases ancient Mayan artefacts, eclectic memorabilia, colourful Belize stamps, and a real prison cell, as it was once a functioning jail. The museum also delves into the history of slavery in Belize, providing a timeline, information about slave revolts, and communities of escaped slaves.
The museum's exhibits are spread across two levels, with the main floor focusing on Belize's history, slavery, and the building's past as a jail. The second floor offers a more diverse range of topics, including pirates, birds, insects, and colonial life. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and has a nominal entry fee, making it a great option for those interested in learning about the rich history and culture of Belize.
The Composition of Belize's 5-Cent Coin
You may want to see also
It's open from 9 am to 4-5 pm, Tuesday to Saturday
The Museum of Belize is located in the Fort George District of Belize City. It is housed in a former prison, built of brick in 1857, and offers an overview of the story of Belize. The museum is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. On Mondays, the museum is closed to the public.
The museum provides an excellent insight into the history and culture of Belize, including exhibits on the colonial and independence eras, an exhibit on slave history, and a new contemporary art gallery. The Maya Treasures section, located upstairs, features impressive examples of Maya jade, ceramics, and sculptures, as well as informative models and explanations of major Maya sites.
In addition to the Maya artefacts, the museum also showcases eclectic memorabilia, colourful Belize stamps, and even a real prison cell. Visitors can explore the history of slavery in Belize, colonial artefacts, and an art gallery with bird taxidermy. The museum has a nominal entry fee, usually around $7 US, and offers a gift shop and book shop.
Overall, the Museum of Belize is a fascinating attraction that provides a wealth of information about the country's history and culture. Visitors can expect to spend around 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits and learning about Belize's rich past.
The Great Blue Hole Mystery: Is It Worth the Dive?
You may want to see also