Exhibition Opening: The Sea Is History

Taking its name from Derek Walcott’s iconic poem, The Sea Is History explores the Cayman Islands’ enduring connection to the sea. The exhibition showcases historical and contemporary artefacts—some mysterious, others well-documented—retrieved from the ocean or found along our shores, revealing how the sea shapes Caymanian life, memory, and identity. Step inside and discover the stories, histories, and reflections that make the sea a living archive of our past, present, and future.

Cabinet of Curiosities: October Feature Series

Throughout October, the National Museum invited audiences to explore the strange and fascinating world of the Cabinet of Curiosities. Each Friday, a new object from the Museum’s collection was revealed—an item with a story to tell, from the extraordinary to the everyday.

The idea of the Cabinet of Curiosities, or Wunderkammer, began in 16th-century Europe, where collectors displayed “exotic” objects from around the world. In Cayman, however, collecting took on a different meaning. Thanks to local collectors like Ira Thompson, whose collection became the nucleus of the National Museum, collecting became an act of preserving memory, identity, and heritage.

The October series celebrated this legacy, showcasing how everyday objects can reveal extraordinary stories about Caymanian life. Click the images below to rewatch the series. Read our blog post.

On Compass TV: Spotlight on The Sea Is History

Our team recently appeared on Compass TV to share insights on our new exhibition, The Sea Is History. Brian Watler, Megan Arch, and Dr. Veerle Poupeye discussed the exhibition’s exploration of Cayman’s deep connection to the sea, highlighting how historical and contemporary artefacts tell stories of memory, identity, and heritage.

Catch the segment to hear firsthand about the inspiration behind the exhibition and how it invites visitors to reflect on the sea’s role in shaping Caymanian life. Rewatch the segment here.

Showcasing Innovation at the 2025 Brain Bowl

At this year’s KPMG Brain Bowl, our Exhibition Coordinator Al Ebanks joined the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) booth to demonstrate our collaborative virtual reality project, Miss Lassie’s Mind’s Eye. The annual Brain Bowl brings together high school teams from across the Cayman Islands for a fast-paced, Jeopardy!-style academic competition that also celebrates local culture through partnerships with organizations like CNCF.

Archipelago: 4th Cayman Islands Biennial Opens at our National Museum

In October, the Cayman Islands National Museum proudly opened its doors as one of the host venues for Archipelago: The 4th Cayman Islands Biennial, a National Gallery initiative showcasing over 60 artists and 76 works across the three islands. The Biennial invites reflection on how local and regional artists capture the connections between the personal, the national, and the global — much like the many islands of an archipelago itself.

Support our Museum Gift Shop!

Shop Local, Support History

Looking for a unique gift or a special keepsake? The Museum Gift Shop offers a range of locally made items—from Caymanite jewelry and handcrafted soaps to books, posters, mugs, and more. Every purchase supports the preservation of Cayman’s heritage, including the care of the historic Old Courts Building and our national Collection.

Visit us Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM and Saturdays, 10 AM–5 PM.

Give the gift of endless inspiration with a Museum Membership—perfect for history lovers and curious minds. 

• Individual Membership: $60 CI/year
• Concessionary (Seniors, Juniors, Students): $40 CI/year
• Couples: $90 CI/year
• Families (up to 4 people): $120 CI/year

Enjoy free admission, event invitations, discounts at the Museum Gift Shop and Old Gaol Café, and more. Learn more

FREE Admission for Residents on Saturdays! 

We’re open every Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM—and it’s FREE for residents! Come explore Cayman’s history and culture at the Waterfront in George Town. Bring your family, make it a day of discovery, and don’t forget to stop by our gift shop for unique local treasures!

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 22 November from 5–8pm as we celebrate the National Museum’s Anniversary with our annual Christmas Market on the Waterfront!

This much-loved event brings together the spirit of the season with Cayman’s rich cultural heritage. Shop local this Christmas and find one-of-a-kind gifts from Caymanian artisans and vendors. Enjoy traditional Caymanian food, live entertainment, and festive fun for the whole family — all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Waterfront.​

64 Seafarers Way, George Town, P.O. Box 2189 GT Cayman Islands, KY1-1105

Tel: 345-949-8368 Email: [email protected]