52
Years

National Museum of Bermuda

Royal Naval Dockyard 1 The Keep , Sandys Parish, Bermuda, MA 01 | Directions
Opening hours
Monday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Methods of Payment
Ratings & Reviews
Click to rate
Description
Our Mission and Vision The National Museum of Bermuda aspires to be a first-class national museum and research facility, inspiring engagement with and protection of Bermuda’s diverse cultural heritage.

Anchoring 500 Years of Atlantic History
The National Museum of Bermuda (NMB) stands as the island's premier cultural institution, safeguarding half a millennium of diverse history. Strategically located within the historic walls of The Keep—Bermuda's largest naval fort at the Royal Naval Dockyard—the museum serves as a vital bridge connecting the community and international visitors to the island's maritime legacy, social history, and multi-ethnic roots.

Originally established as the Bermuda Maritime Museum, NMB has evolved over 50 years into a dynamic educational hub. Today, it protects a vast archive of over 80,000 artifacts, spanning rare shipwreck discoveries, historic maps, local artwork, and foundational community records.

Leadership & Museum Governance
The National Museum of Bermuda operates as a non-profit registered charity (No. 136). The institution’s vision and strategic programming are guided by a dedicated Board of Trustees and supported by international arms, including the American Friends of NMB and the Friends of NMB (UK).

Services, Facilities & Amenities

 

  • Explore The Keep Fortification: Wander through a 19th-century naval fortress featuring massive stone bastions and ramparts.
  • Marvel at Shipwreck Artifacts: View underwater archaeology exhibits showcasing treasures recovered from local reefs.
  • Walk Through Commissioner's House: Tour the world’s first cast-iron residential frame building.
  • Engage with Community Exhibits: Discover personal local history through projects like the Bermuda Family Scrapbook.
  • Museum Detectives Trails: Utilize family-friendly activity packs designed for children.
  • Panoramic Ocean Views: Experience dramatic, uninterrupted views of Bermuda’s turquoise waters.
  • Historic Venue Rentals: Book indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, private parties, or corporate galas.
  • Visit Neighboring Dolphin Quest: Enjoy ocean-side educational encounters located right inside the museum's footprint.

FAQ
Where is the museum located and how do I get there?

The museum is located within The Keep at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Sandys Parish (the West End of the island). If you are arriving via cruise ship at the Heritage Wharf or King's Wharf, we are just a short, 5-minute walk away. Visitors traveling from Hamilton or St. George’s can easily reach us via the public ferry or the Route 7 and Route 8 public buses.

What are the museum's current operating hours?

We are open daily. Our summer hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission granted at 4:00 PM. Hours may shift slightly depending on the season, so we always recommend checking our website home page or calling ahead before your trip.

How much is admission, and do you offer local discounts?

Admission fees support our research and educational programming. Children under a certain age and NMB members enter for free. We also frequently host community initiatives, such as open free-admission months for all local Bermuda residents with valid ID. Please check our ticketing page for current standard rates. Click here to buy tickets: https://nmb.bm/book-visit/

Is the National Museum of Bermuda accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?

Yes. While the museum is housed inside a historic 19th-century fortress with some uneven terrain, the majority of our major exhibit spaces, including the ground floors of historical buildings and lower ramparts, feature modified ramps and accessible pathways.

Can I host a private event or wedding at the museum?

Absolutely. We offer world-class historic venue hires for weddings, corporate galas, and private parties. Event spaces include the dramatic outdoor grounds of The Keep, the historic Commissioner's House, and scenic ramparts overlooking the ocean. You can submit a Venue Hire Request form directly through our website.

What is the relationship between the museum and Dolphin Quest?

Dolphin Quest is located directly inside the museum’s fortress footprint at the keep pond. Admission to the National Museum of Bermuda allows you to walk through the grounds and view the dolphins; however, swim-and-encounter programs require separate bookings directly through Dolphin Quest.

How can I research my Bermudian ancestry using museum resources?

NMB is deeply involved in local genealogy and historical preservation. We offer access to community archives, land and underwater archaeology data, and digital collections like the Bermuda Family Scrapbook. For specific historical or family lineage inquiries, you can submit an Image Reproduction & Research Request.

Is the museum a government-run institution?

No. The National Museum of Bermuda is a non-government, not-for-profit Bermuda Registered Charity (No. 136). Our operations, exhibits, and educational resources are entirely funded by admissions, museum memberships, and generous private or corporate donations.

How do I become a member or volunteer?

We offer both individual and corporate memberships that grant you year-round free admission, museum shop discounts, and early access to lectures. Click here for more details: https://nmb.bm/get-involved/membership/ If you want to get hands-on, we have various digital and in-person volunteer opportunities ranging from archive management to community event support.