
Cayman Islands National Museum, George Town
The Cayman Islands National Museum is the go-to spot for anyone wanting to dive into the islands’ rich cultural and natural heritage. Housed in the historic Old Courts Building along Harbor Drive, the museum has been welcoming visitors since 1990 and plays an important role in preserving the stories, traditions, and environment of the Cayman Islands.
The museum's roots date back to the 1930s when local resident Ira Thompson began collecting Caymanian artifacts. His personal hobby eventually became a national treasure—by 1979, the government had purchased his collection, forming the core of the museum’s now extensive holdings. Today, the museum boasts over 8,000 items, including everything from coins and tools to a beautifully restored 14-foot catboat that once sailed local waters.
One of the standout attractions is the Natural History Exhibit, which features an impressive 3D map showing the underwater geological structures around the islands—offering insight into the Cayman Islands' unique position atop submerged mountain ranges. With a mix of interactive displays, historical artifacts, and thoughtful storytelling, the Cayman Islands National Museum is a compact but powerful space that gives visitors a deeper appreciation for the islands’ past and present.
The museum's roots date back to the 1930s when local resident Ira Thompson began collecting Caymanian artifacts. His personal hobby eventually became a national treasure—by 1979, the government had purchased his collection, forming the core of the museum’s now extensive holdings. Today, the museum boasts over 8,000 items, including everything from coins and tools to a beautifully restored 14-foot catboat that once sailed local waters.
One of the standout attractions is the Natural History Exhibit, which features an impressive 3D map showing the underwater geological structures around the islands—offering insight into the Cayman Islands' unique position atop submerged mountain ranges. With a mix of interactive displays, historical artifacts, and thoughtful storytelling, the Cayman Islands National Museum is a compact but powerful space that gives visitors a deeper appreciation for the islands’ past and present.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in George Town. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911±¬ÁÏÍø: 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.
Cayman Islands National Museum on Map
Sight Name: Cayman Islands National Museum
Sight Location: George Town, Cayman Island (See walking tours in George Town)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: George Town, Cayman Island (See walking tours in George Town)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in George Town, Cayman Island
Create Your Own Walk in George Town
Creating your own self-guided walk in George Town 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.
George Town Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of the Cayman Islands, George Town is where the area’s history, identity, and evolution converge. What began in the 18th century as a small coastal outpost, settled by British seafarers and enslaved Africans, has grown into a major center for finance, tourism, and government. The town was named in honour of King George III, a nod to its long-standing connection to the British Crown.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles