Institute of Jamaica, Kingston

Institute of Jamaica, Kingston

Founded in 1879, the Institute of Jamaica stands as Jamaica's most influential organization dedicated to culture, art, and science. It assumes the role of a patron and advocates for the arts in Jamaica, supporting exhibitions and granting awards. Moreover, the Institute serves as the governing body for the nation's museums while overseeing various national artistic and cultural institutions, including the National Gallery, the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica, and the Jamaica Journal.

Sir Anthony Musgrave, then Governor of Jamaica, established the Institute of Jamaica to foster literature, science, and art on the island in 1879. As such, its mission is centered on assisting the government in promoting and safeguarding the country's rich cultural heritage. Undoubtedly, it remains Jamaica's preeminent organization for culture, art, and science.

The Institute's operations encompass a range of responsibilities within each division. These responsibilities include establishing and managing museums and galleries to collect, preserve, and showcase artifacts and artistic treasures (National Museum Jamaica); curating and displaying collections of Jamaica's flora and fauna (Natural History); nurturing the artistic potential of children in visual and performing arts while fostering their appreciation for Jamaican culture (Junior Centres); and acquiring Jamaican artwork for public exhibition (National Gallery).

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Institute of Jamaica on Map

Sight Name: Institute of Jamaica
Sight Location: Kingston, Jamaica (See walking tours in Kingston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Kingston, Jamaica

Create Your Own Walk in Kingston

Create Your Own Walk in Kingston

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kingston 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.
Kingston Introduction Walking Tour

Kingston Introduction Walking Tour

They say, "Kingston is the heartbeat of Jamaica, in which the rhythm of life, echoing through the streets, is felt in every step, every beat, and every smile."

Kingston's history dates back to the late 17th century when it was established as a refuge for survivors of an earthquake that destroyed the nearby town of Port Royal. The name "Kingston" was given to the city...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Saint Andrew Parish Walking Tour

Saint Andrew Parish Walking Tour

Saint Andrew (also known by its Creole equivalent as Sint Anju) is a parish that surrounds Kingston to the north, west, and east, extending into the scenic Blue Mountains. Renowned as the birthplace of one of Jamaica's national heroes George William Gordon, this part of the capital is also home to various attractions, historical landmarks, and notable residents (both, past and present)....  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles