The Cayman Islands National Museum is dedicated to the preservation, research and dissemination of all aspects of the Caymanian heritage for present and future generations. In 1990, after years of planning, artifact conservation, and exhibit design, the Cayman Islands National Museum opened to the public in the Old Courts Building. The Museum can trace its roots to the 1930's when Mr. Ira Thompson began collecting Caymanian artifacts as a hobby. In 1979, the government purchased Mr. Ira's collection which became the nucleus of the National Museum collection. Today, the Museum's collection contains over 4,000 items ranging from tiny coins to a 14 foot catboat; natural history specimens to rare documents. Established as a place of learning and enjoyment, the Museum provides residents and visitors with a rich understanding of the Caymanian heritage through its exhibits and special activities. The Old Courts Building is one of Grand Cayman's few surviving 19th century structures, the Old Courts Building has survived countless hurricanes and nor'westers. During its one hundred and fifty years it has been used for everything from town jail and courthouse to a meeting hall for Sunday worship and civic dances. The exterior stairs gave rise to the saying, "Walking the twelve steps" meaning being taken to court! The complete story of this historic building is told in one of the Museum's exhibits. The rehabilitation of the structure was acknowledged in 1990 by an award from American Express Preservation Awards Program for the Caribbean. The Natural History Exhibit begins with a dramatic three dimensional map depicting a panorama of the undersea mountains and canyons which surround the Cayman Islands. Then you will take a short walk through a microcosm of Cayman's natural habitats. There are marvellous displays of corals and limestone rocks which form these islands. Even the undersea world of Cayman comes to life thanks to an interactive laser-disk presentation. It leaves you convinced that you really are looking through the porthole of a submarine! Take a trip back in time and discover the Cayman Islands through its past and its people. In the Cultural History Exhibition you will learn how Caymanians survived in the early days with little outside contact. See how Caymanians made a living through turtling, rope making and ship building. Learn about these resilient people, their communities and their customs through the items they used so many years ago. End your tour of the Cayman Islands museum by taking a little piece of Cayman back with you. Visit the Museum's gift shop for quality Caymanian made items and exquisite Caymanite jewellery. Relax in the picturesque courtyard of the Cool Caboose on the south east corner of the Museum. The cafe specializes in tropical drinks, ice cream and snacks. Be sure to bring Activiy Guide with you to receive your special discount! Cayman Islands National Museum P.O. Box 2189 Harbour Drive Grand Cayman Grand Cayman Islands Phone: (345) 949-8368 Fax: (345) 949-0309 museum@candw.ky