6 Best Museums of Sint Maarten

There’s no shortage of things to see and do on the island of St. Maarten. Tourists looking for a dose of culture during their vacation should be sure to visit one of the island’s many museums. From history and art to science and nature, there’s something for everyone at these top institutions. Some of the best Museums in St. Maarten are listed below.

1. Minguet Art Gallery
2. Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit
3. Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery
4. Sint Maarten Museum in Philipsburg
5. Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary
6. Amuseum Naturalis

1. Minguet Art Gallery

The Minguet Art Gallery is located in Rambaud Hill, Saint Martin, between the towns of Marigot and Grand Case. This gallery features the work of Alexandre Minguet who was a French artist who moved to Saint Martin in 1983. Minguet’s artwork is known to capture the vivid culture and colors of the island of St. Martin.

The Minguet Art Gallery features artwork such as Minguet’s original paintings, posters, lithographs, and postcards that depict the picturesque landscape of St. Martin as well as original work from artists such as Loic Barbotin and Robert Dago. The Minguet gallery is owned and operated by the late Minguet’s daughter Catherine who is known to have a great passion for her father’s work and a great knowledge of art in general.

The Minguet Gallery is definitely one of the most popular museums on the island of Saint Martin. The artwork featured in the museum captures the essence of St. Martin so well that Many tourists from all over the world purchase some of the artwork in order to remember their visit to Saint Martin. Entrance into the gallery is free and most visitors spend around 3 hours there at a time. The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10 am to 12 pm on Sundays.

Directions to the Minguet Art Gallery here.

2. Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit

The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit is located in Phillipsburg, Sint Maarten, and is known to be one of the most unexpected and exciting experiences in the entire Caribbean. It is a highly recommended destination when planning a trip to St. Maarten. This museum was created by Nick Maley who is an international artist and a creature effects designer who is known worldwide for his work with the “Star Wars” saga and the creation of “Yoda” and other famous creatures that were featured in the “Star Wars” movies.

The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit features and explains the creative processes and techniques that were used to create characters such as Yoda, Chewbacca Darth Vader, and other famous characters from 50 different movies that span six different decades. The exhibit also features candid behind-the-scenes photos from different movies as well as private interviews with different celebrities. This museum is definitely a must-see for Star Wars fans and movie lovers from all over the world. Admission into the exhibit is $15 (€13) per person. The museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

Directions to the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit here.

3. Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery

The Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery is located in Marigot, Saint Martin. This art gallery opened in 2009 and features the work of Ruby Bute who was a legend and a cultural icon for the island of St. Martin. The Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery features original artwork from Ruby Bute such as paintings, books, prints, ceramics, and jewelry. This gallery is a must-see for all art lovers traveling to St. Martin.

Ruby Bute is one of St. Maarten’s most beloved artists. She is known to be very friendly and gracious and many who visit the Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery have been able to meet her personally and hear her tell stories about living on St. Martin while enjoying some of her homemade rum. Entrance into The Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery is free, while some of her artwork is available for purchase. The gallery is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm.

Directions to the Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery here.

4. Sint Maarten Museum in Philipsburg

The Sint Maarten Museum is located in Phillipsburg, Sint Maarten. This museum is located in an old plantation house from the 1800s and focuses on the history of St. Maarten through a variety of topics such as industry, history, geology, indigenous cultures, and archaeology.

Visitors to the Sint Maarten Museum can learn about the indigenous Arawak and Carib tribes, the European colonist’s effect on the island, see exhibits from the days of slavery when sugar and salt mining were the island’s main trades, and they can even explore the cobblestoned streets of historic Philipsburg with one of the museum’s walking guides.

The Sint Maarten Museum first opened its doors in 1989. The museum reveals St. Maarten’s political, social, and natural history with artifacts dating as far back as 500 B.C., such as tools from the plantation-era, the HMS Proselyte, period photos, original engravings from Fort Amsterdam in 1801, Arawak pottery shards, and exhibits that explain the devastating effects of Hurricane Luis in 1995. There is also a shop at the museum that sells an assortment of locally made arts and crafts. The museum is open from Monday to Friday during the hours of 10 am to 4 pm. Entry into the museum is free, and donations for the upkeep of the museum are welcomed.

Directions to the Sint Maarten Museum in Philipsburg here.

5. Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary

The Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary is located in Phillipsburg, Sint Maarten, and is one of the most family-friendly experiences on the island. At Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary visitors are able to view and discover many different types of tropical bird species such as the Brown Throated Conure, the Sun Conure, the Ring-Necked Parakeet, and the Black Headed Caique. There is a 30-minute tour available to take at the museum where visitors learn about these different bird species, explore the medicinal garden, and even get to feed the birds themselves.

The Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary is an activity for kids and adults alike. After touring the museum there is a playground for kids as well as refreshments available at the outdoor bar on the premises. This museum is $5 (€4) for kids and $10 (€8) for adults and is open every day during the week except Monday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Directions to the Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary here.

6. Amuseum Naturalis

Amuseum Naturalis is located in Grand Case, French Saint Martin, and is the island’s first natural history museum. The Museum was recently renovated and reopened in 2018. Amuseum Naturalis expounds upon the island’s local heritage and culture as well as the nature found on the island. Visitors can discover the different animals, plants, and trees that are native to St. Maarten and learn about the different farming techniques used by the indigenous tribes of St. Maarten in the past.

Amuseum Naturalis is a wonderful experience for all visitors during their stay in Saint Martin. The museum has three different lookout points where you can take in the picturesque views of Saint Martin and a micro theater where there are short documentaries explaining the island’s history. Amuseum Naturalis is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm. Entry into the museum is free.

Directions to Amuseum Naturalis here.

What are the general themes of the museums in St. Martin?

The general themes of the museums in St. Martin are history and art. Many of the museums on the Dutch side of the island focus on the island’s rich history. The museums on the French side of the island feature art from local artists such as Ruby Bute and Sir Roland Richardson.

What are the historical artifacts that can be seen in the St. Martin museums?

There are many historical artifacts that can be seen in St. Maarten such as Arawak pottery shards dating as far back as 500 B.C, tools from the plantation era, the HMS Proselyte, period photos, original engravings from Fort Amsterdam in 1801, and exhibits that explain the devastating effects of Hurricane Luis in 1995. These artifacts depict and explain the rich history of St. Maarten.

What are the museums in Saint Martin that have historical artifacts?

The museums that contain historical artifacts on the island of Saint Martin are listed below.

1. Museum of Saint Martin: Located in Marigot on the French side of the Island. This museum’s featured exhibit is called “On the Trail of the Arawak’s”. Many different artifacts have been displayed that show what everyday life was like for these natives.
2. Maarten Museum: Located in Phillipsburg in a traditional 19th-century house, this museum explains the history of the Dutch side of the Island. It also tells the story of the indigenous cultures and the colonial history of Sint. Maarten. Some artifacts in the exhibit date back to the year 500 B.C.
3. Amuseum Naturalis: Located in Grand Case St. Maarten, Amuseum Naturalis expounds upon the island’s local heritage and culture as well as the nature found on the island. Artifacts related to the different farming techniques used by the indigenous tribes of St. Maarten can be found at this museum.

What artistic works can be seen in St. Martin museums?

Some of the prominent artists and their artistic works that can be seen at the museums in St. Maarten are listed and explained below.

1. Alexandre Minguet: Alexandre Minguet’s work can be seen at the Minguet Art Gallery located in Rambaud Hill, Saint Martin, between the towns of Marigot and Grand Case. Minguet’s artwork is known to capture the vivid culture and colors of the island of St. Martin and the gallery features artwork such as Minguet’s original paintings, posters, lithographs, and postcards that depict the picturesque landscape of St. Martin as well as original work from artists such as Loic Barbotin and Robert Dago.
2. Ruby Bute: Ruby Bute’s work can be seen at the “Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery” Bute’s paintings are often referred to as folk art that depicts life and culture in Saint Martin in vibrant color. The Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery features Bute’s artwork including her original paintings, books, prints, ceramics, and jewelry.
3. Sir Roland Richardson: The Roland Richardson Art Gallery is located in Marigot Saint Martin. This gallery features the artwork of Sir Roland Richardson who was a native of Saint Martin. Richardson’s artwork is famous all over the world, He is known as the “Father of Caribbean Impressionism.” His paintings are inspired by the local landscapes of Saint Martin and painted using many mediums such as watercolor, charcoal, oil paints, and pastels.

Is there an entrance fee to St. Martin museums?

Yes, many museums and galleries in St. Maarten have entrance fees. These fees range from $5 to $20 (€4 to €17) per person. However, some of the museums and galleries on the island are free to enter. In this case, the guests have the option of offering a donation during their visit.

What attractions are located near the museums in St. Martin?

The popular attractions and settlements located near the museums in St. Maarten are listed below.

1. Great Bay beach
2. Loterie Farm
3. Marigot
4. Phillipsburg
5. Grand Case
6. Orient Bay
7. Paradise Peak
8. Simpson Bay

Where are the museums in St. Martin generally located?

The museums in St. Maarten are evenly dispersed throughout the French and Dutch sides of the island. The French side of the island is known for its museums that feature art from artists located abroad and on the island of St. Maarten. The Dutch side of the island has many museums that highlight the island’s history.

What are the transportation options to the museums in Sint Maarten?

There are several different transportation options in Sint Maarten to travel to the different museums such as museum tours, taxis, rental cars, and buses. These options are listed and explained below.

1. Museum Tours: There are museum tours available in Saint Martin that will take you via van to several different galleries and museums on the island. These tours normally last around 4 hours and cost around $80 (Euros) per person. These guided tours take you throughout both the French and Dutch sides of Saint Martin and you can learn about the culture, geology, natural history, and traditions of St. Maarten. Some of the tours allow you to choose the different museums and galleries you would like to visit throughout the tour. The tours even feature refreshments such as iced coffee and cake at the end of the tour.
2. Taxis: Taxis are one of the main forms of transportation in Saint Martin and are a great way to travel to all the museums on the island. The taxis travel to any location throughout both the French and Dutch sides of the island and the fares usually range from $4 to $45 (€3.50 to €39) depending on the distance and timing of your trip. It is important to agree on a rate with the driver before entering the taxi. There are some taxis that can carry up to 10 people and can even be rented for the entire day to take you around the island, this is ideal for families or large groups that are traveling together to visit multiple museums throughout the day. Taxis are readily available throughout both the French and Dutch sides of the island and is a form of transportation many tourists rely on to get around St. Maarten. Taxis are especially available at the arrival section of Princess Juliana International airport and major hotels on the island. Drivers usually only accept cash in both Euros and U.S Dollars. There are no Lyft or Uber services available on the island of Saint Martin.
3. Buses: Buses are an affordable and easy way to visit many of the museums in Saint Martin. The buses in Saint Martin have frequent routes that travel between Phillipsburg, Marigot, French Quarter, St. Peters, Orient Bay, and Grand Case which are the cities where most of the major museums and art galleries are located. Each bus has an identifying marker that states the driver’s route which is usually a sign in the front window that indicates the starting and ending point of the route. It is common to wave the busses down as they approach so they will stop. As your destination approaches on the bus it is common to tell the driver verbally that you would like to stop. These buses are very easy to navigate and cost $1 to $3 (€0.86 to €2.50) per person. Children under the age of three can ride the bus for free. Since the busses are privately owned, they don’t have a set schedule, but they normally operate from 5 am-12 am.
4. Rental cars: The most popular way to travel to the different museums in St. Maarten is by rental car. Renting a car will allow you great freedom and mobility and even allow you to visit multiple museums in one day at your leisure. The price to rent a car in St. Maarten starts at $35 (euros) per day. There are many rental car agencies located at Princess Juliana Airport. You do not need an international driver’s license to rent a car and drive in St. Maarten.

What are the best museums in St. Martin for couples?

Many couples travel to the island of St. Maarten not only to enjoy the island’s beautiful scenery but to explore the wonderful museums on the island. The best museums for couples to explore on the island of St. Maarten are listed below.

1. The Marigot Wall of Art
2. Parrotville Bird Sanctuary
3. Minguet Art Gallery
4. Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery
5. Amuseum Naturalis

Are there restaurants near many of the museums in St. Maarten?

Yes, there are restaurants located near many of the museums in St. Maarten. Some of the restaurants located near museums are the top rated restaurants in St. Maarten. Some of the restaurants that are located near the museums in Saint Martin are listed below.

1. Oualichi Beach Bar and Restaurant: Located near the Sint Maarten Museum and the Yoda guy movie exhibit in Phillipsburg. This restaurant has a mixture of cuisines from different cultures including Caribbean, American and Italian. The prices range from $11 to $25 (€12 to €26) per entree.
2. Oasis Restaurant and Pizzeria: Located 2.1 miles (3.4 km) from Parrotville bird sanctuary this restaurant specializes in French Cuisine. This restaurant serves lunch and dinner that is expertly prepared and sought after by many who visit St. Maarten. They are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 11 pm. The prices range from $11 to $31 (€10 to €30) per entree.
3. Friar’s Bay Beach Cafe: Located near Minguet Art Gallery & Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery. Friars Beach Cafe is one of the most popular restaurants in St. Maarten. Friar’s Bay Beach Cafe has delicious food, which is a combination of French and Caribbean cuisine with a twist. They are known for changing their menu frequently. Friar’s Bay Beach Cafe is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am – 6 pm and Monday from 9 am to 10 pm, and the prices of main courses range from $13 to $23 (€15 to €26) per entree.