Montego Bay Cultural Center, Montego Bay

Housing both the National Museum West and the National Gallery West, the Montego Bay Cultural Centre offers a comprehensive exploration of Jamaica's history and vibrant contemporary arts scene.

At the National Museum West, located on the ground level, visitors can immerse themselves in a permanent exhibit chronicling the history of St. James and Jamaica. The exhibit boasts a remarkable collection of artifacts spanning from the Taino era to the postcolonial period. Additionally, the museum hosts temporary exhibits, providing fresh insights into Jamaican culture and heritage.

Upstairs, in an adjoining building, the National Gallery West, an extension of the National Gallery in Kingston, showcases a diverse array of early, modern, and contemporary art through rotating exhibits, offering visitors a dynamic artistic experience.

The Montego Bay Cultural Centre is not only a space for cultural exploration but also a venue for special events and performances. The town hall ballroom hosts occasional dance performances, while the main building features a dedicated performing arts space upstairs.

Adding to its historical significance, a freedom monument stands proudly at the back of the building, paying homage to the individuals who faced sentencing when the site served as a courthouse. The monument bears the names of condemned enslaved individuals, alongside the punishments they endured, serving as a poignant reminder of Jamaica's complex past.