Nassau Public Library and Museum, Nassau
The Nassau Public Library and Museum is both the oldest and the largest library in the country. It was founded by the Bahamas Society for the Diffusion of Knowledge in 1837 as a reading society. The institution became an official library 10 years later.
The building that houses the Nassau Public Library and Museum was built in 1797. Functioning as a jail, the building owes its octagonal design inspiration to the Old Powder Magazine in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Old Powder Magazine is thought to have been designed by Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood in 1714.
The jail was converted into a library in 1873. The prison cells are now used to hold documents, newspapers, charts, books, historic prints and Arawak artifacts. It also has computers with internet access that can be rented for a minimum of 15 minutes at a time.
The Nassau Public Library and Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5:45 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM to 3:45 PM. It is closed on Sunday.
The building that houses the Nassau Public Library and Museum was built in 1797. Functioning as a jail, the building owes its octagonal design inspiration to the Old Powder Magazine in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Old Powder Magazine is thought to have been designed by Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood in 1714.
The jail was converted into a library in 1873. The prison cells are now used to hold documents, newspapers, charts, books, historic prints and Arawak artifacts. It also has computers with internet access that can be rented for a minimum of 15 minutes at a time.
The Nassau Public Library and Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5:45 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM to 3:45 PM. It is closed on Sunday.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Nassau. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Nassau Public Library and Museum on Map
Sight Name: Nassau Public Library and Museum
Sight Location: Nassau, Bahamas (See walking tours in Nassau)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Nassau, Bahamas (See walking tours in Nassau)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Nassau, Bahamas
Create Your Own Walk in Nassau
Creating your own self-guided walk in Nassau is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Nassau Introduction Walking Tour
Nassau is the largest city and capital of The Islands of The Bahamas. Over 70% of Bahamian residents live in this bustling city. Nassau is the country’s government, education, administration, and media center.
Nassau was founded in 1670 by British nobility who sought to settle New Providence Island. The British named the settlement Charles Town and built a fort to defend the new town against... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Nassau was founded in 1670 by British nobility who sought to settle New Providence Island. The British named the settlement Charles Town and built a fort to defend the new town against... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Museums & Art Galleries Tour
The capital of the Bahamas, Nassau, has no shortage of museums and art galleries for visitors to explore. The displayed collections reflect the history, culture, and local way of life.
One of the notable institutions is the Bahamas Historical Museum, where you can dive into the past of this island nation and discover its intriguing heritage. The Nassau Public Library and Museum is a place that... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One of the notable institutions is the Bahamas Historical Museum, where you can dive into the past of this island nation and discover its intriguing heritage. The Nassau Public Library and Museum is a place that... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles