The Art Lovers Guide To Bermuda
Get into the island's rich visual arts scene by visiting cafes filled with paintings, galleries selling local artwork and a museum full of masterpieces.
- Local Hotspots,
- People & Culture
Bermuda isn't a big island, but its art scene is huge. Galleries, museums and other creative outlets offer up paintings, sketches, sculpture and more, much of it inspired by the surrounding natural beauty.
Art & Java at Rock Island Coffee
Caffeinate before art gazing at Hamilton's Rock Island Coffee, which serves tasty goods and Bermuda's only coffee made from locally roasted beans. Colourful works by Bermudian artists adorn the walls.
A Stellar Hotel Art Collection
The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club boasts a top-notch art collection throughout its lobby and public spaces. You'll find works by big-name artists like Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Nelson Mandela, Bansky and Philippe Decrauzat. Guided walking tours are offered every Saturday at 10 am and by special appointment.
Island Treasures at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art
Spend an hour or so at this gem of a museum, located in the Bermuda Botanical Gardens in Paget. The Masterworks collection includes more than 3,000 watercolours, lithographs, photographs and etchings. You'll see works by legends such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Winslow Homer along with pieces by Bermudian artists.
The Art of The Royal Naval Dockyard
The former home of the British Royal Navy was once known for ships and military might, but now the Royal Naval Dockyard is known for its art. The bustling complex holds shops and restaurants as well as galleries and museums. Here are the highlights:
BERMUDA ARTS CENTRE
Revolving exhibits at Bermuda Arts Centre showcase some of the island's best talent.
DOCKYARD GLASSWORKS
Watch glass being blown at this studio and shop, where you can buy pots, Christmas ornaments and other pieces made on site. It's a riotiously colourful place located in a former warehouse.
BERMUDA CRAFT MARKET
Dip into the island's crafting scene at the buzzing Bermuda Craft Market. Among those setting up shop: soap-makers, rum cake bakers, ceramics artists and cedar wood carvers. You'll often get to buy souvenirs from the person who created them.
BERMUDA CLAYWORKS LTD.
Local ceramics and clay artists work, show and sell at this space. You can buy mugs, vases and other works made on site or take a pottery-painting or pot-throwing class at Bermuda Clayworks.
A Mural of Local History
Before leaving the Dockyard, drop by the National Museum of Bermuda. It's a history and culture showplace, not an art gallery, but its holds one of the island's most impressive works: “The Hall of History,” a 1,000-square-foot, two-story mural telling the the story of the island in vivid visuals. Bermudian artist Graham Foster spent approximately 7,000 hours painting the dramatic work, which depicts sailing ships, farmers at work and other expressive subjects. Tip: Graham also sculpted the John Lennon memorial sculpture outside Masterworks at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, an apt tribute to the songwriter who spent a very fruitful summer on the island in 1980.
