The Caribbean Museum

Each island carries a universe of stories.

The The Caribbean Museum stands as a digital institution of record—an evolving archive devoted to the preservation, interpretation, and global presentation of Caribbean history, culture, and creative expression. Conceived with the rigor of a scholarly foundation and the reach of a modern museum, it brings together the region’s layered narratives into a single, authoritative space.

At its core, the museum traces the Caribbean not as a collection of islands, but as a civilizational force shaped by movement—of people, memory, resistance, and imagination. From the earliest Indigenous societies through the ruptures of colonization and enslavement, to the emergence of independent nations and a globally influential diaspora, each chapter is treated with depth, clarity, and respect for its complexity.

The institution curates across disciplines. Visual art, music, literature, ritual, language, and political history are presented not in isolation, but in dialogue. A painting is read alongside a poem. A rhythm is placed in conversation with migration. A garment, a protest, a festival—each becomes evidence of a culture that has continually redefined itself while holding fast to its ancestral inheritance.

Central to its mission is preservation with purpose. Archival materials, oral histories, and contemporary works are not simply stored; they are activated. Exhibitions are designed to educate without flattening, to engage without spectacle, and to position Caribbean culture within its rightful place in global intellectual and artistic discourse.

The museum also functions as a living platform—supporting scholars, artists, and cultural practitioners whose work expands the understanding of Caribbean identity. It invites participation from across the diaspora, recognizing that the Caribbean story does not end at its shores, but continues wherever its people have carried it.

In its ambition and execution, The Caribbean Museum is not merely a repository. It is a custodian of memory, a site of scholarship, and a statement of cultural sovereignty—articulating, with precision and authority, the enduring significance of the Caribbean to the world.

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  • History

    Established in 1955, the Museum of Costumes was born out of a passion for preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of clothing. Originally a small exhibition, it has grown into a renowned institution, showcasing a comprehensive collection of garments from various periods and regions. Through collaborations with designers, historians, and collectors, the museum continues to expand its collection, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the significance and artistry behind fashion.

  • Mission

    The Museum of Costumes is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and entertaining visitors by showcasing the art, history, and cultural significance of costumes. We strive to foster appreciation for the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into creating garments, while promoting cross-cultural understanding and celebrating the diverse ways in which clothing reflects individual and collective identities. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and research, we aim to preserve and share the rich legacy of fashion with the world.

Museum Logo
  • Country
  • Curator
  • Director
  • Establishment Date
    1985-09-13
  • Collection Size
    2.6 million
  • Area
    807,000 sq ft (75,000 m2) in 94 galleries
  • Visitors
    1,124,759 (2021)
  • Address
    150 London Wall, Barbican, London EC2Y 5HN, UK
  • Phone Number
    352-495-1044
  • Email Address
    dentonph@loquet.net
  • Website
  • Opening Hours
    9:30 - 18:00, Monday Until 20:00
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Services

Gift Shop
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Museum Hours

24/7 Online

Museum Location

Global , a fully digital museum without borders, existing online and accessible worldwide