Explore Cayman’s oldest surviving public building

By Lindsey Turnbull

The Cayman Islands National Museum is packed full of information, exhibits and education on every aspect of Cayman’s history, but there is, arguably, no part of the museum that is more interesting than the Old Courts Building itself, the actual home of the museum. Currently, the museum has a new exhibition dedicated to exploring its own fascinating history, as the oldest surviving public building in the Cayman Islands.

Brian Watler, The National Museum’s Communications Manager, said the timing for the exhibition came about as it was part of the museum’s 35th anniversary programming and they had wanted an exhibition that told the story of the Old Courts Building, where the museum is presently housed.

The exhibition chronicles the history of the Old Courts Building, from its beginnings as a courthouse to its various uses over the years, such as a bank, library, schoolroom, dance hall, church, government offices, post office, and so on, he explained.

Mr Watler detailed why the building is so iconic:

“Built in the 1830s along the George Town waterfront, the Old Courts Building stands as one of the Cayman Islands’ few surviving nineteenth century structures. For more than 180 years it has endured hurricanes, Nor’westers, salt air, and time itself,” he said. “Long before a lighthouse marked the harbour, the building played a vital role in navigation: each evening a lantern was hoisted on the flagpole to guide returning turtlers and seamen safely home. approaching by sea, the sight of the Old Courts Building signalled land, safety, and community.”

Located at the historic centre of George Town, the Old Courts Building housed the first Post Office, the earliest Commissioner’s Offices, and the first purpose built Courthouse.

Through artworks, architectural drawings, and detailed models, visitors can discover how this landmark has evolved over time. Featuring works by several local artists, the exhibition highlights the building’s lasting presence on the waterfront and its important role in preserving and sharing Cayman’s heritage.

Visitors can enjoy this exhibition Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. Make sure you take time to appreciate all that the museum has to offer, at least 45 minutes to an hour, and, in particular, do not miss the 20 minute introductory video.

The Old Courts Building exhibition will be on through May 2026 and there are also guided tours available by appointment.

Looking ahead, the National Museum is opening its ‘Kiemanos: The Ira Thompson Collection’ exhibition on 2 April 2024. The Ira Thompson Collection is the Museum’s nucleus collection. They are also opening ‘Freedom Imagined; Freedom Won’, an Emancipation exhibition that focuses on the lives of two women: Elizabeth Jane Trusty and Long Celia and their journeys as enslaved women and freed woman of colour in the case of Elizabeth Jane Trusty. This exhibition opens on 30 April 2026.

Stay tuned for more information on these upcoming exhibitions!