Sights in Belize City
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A
Museum of Belize
This excellent modern museum in the Fort George district is a must-see for anyone interested in the story of Belize. Housed in the country’s former main jail (built of brick in 1857), the museum preserves one cell in its original state, complete with inmates’ graffiti; if you thought your hotel room was cramped, think again! Fascinating historical photos and documents bear testimony to the colonial and independence eras and the destruction wrought by hurricanes. The Maya Treasures section, upstairs, is rather light on artifacts (most of Belize’s finest Maya finds were spirited away to other countries) but makes up for that with informative models and explanations. Othe…
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B
Government House
Fronting the sea down at the end of Regent St, this handsome two-story wooden colonial mansion served as the residence of Britain’s superintendents and governors of Belize from its construction in 1814 until 1996. The house, one of the oldest in Belize, is now a cultural center and museum – well worth a visit for its historical exhibits, colorful displays of modern Belizean art, spacious colonial ambience and grassy gardens. It was here at midnight on September 21, 1981 that the Union Jack was ceremonially replaced with the Belizean flag to mark the birth of independent Belize. Displayed in the gardens is the tender from Baron Bliss’ yacht.
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C
St John’s Cathedral
St John’s Cathedral is the oldest Anglican church in Central America. It was built by slave labor between 1812 and 1820 using bricks brought from Britain as ballast. Notable things to see inside are the ancient pipe organ and the Baymen-era tombstones that tell their own history of Belize’s early days and the toll taken on the city’s early settlers.
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D
Image Factory
The country’s most innovative and exciting art gallery stages new exhibitions most months, usually of work by Belizean artists. Opening receptions are usually held early in the month; cocktails are served on the Image Factory’s deck, which looks out on Haulover Creek. The adjoining shop sells art, gifts and the country’s best range of books.
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E
Coastal Zone Museum
Next door to, and entered from, the Caye Caulker Water Taxi Terminal, this small museum has a limited number of pictures, models and carapaces of Belizean aquatic life, plus summary information on the Belize Barrier Reef World Heritage sites and a few dioramas of marine ecosystems. The museum merits a peek if you’re in the area.
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