Five Galleries To Explore While Visiting Bermuda
Bermuda is known for its unique history and culture. When you’re visiting the island, why not spend some time checking out the galleries that make Bermuda such a special place to explore.
Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art
When Tom Butterfield, founder of Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, realized that famous American artists like Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keefe and Andrew Wyet were inspired by Bermuda’s beauty, the wheels were set in motion. Why not create a permanent space to celebrate and enjoy Bermudian art and culture? Masterworks brings the community together and enhances lives through art and education. The goal is to enlighten and inspire the community, contribute to lifelong learning, unlock creativity and celebrate and support diversity of background, opinion and perspective. Take a class, attend a workshop or visit the current exhibits. Masterworks is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Sundays. General admission is $10 but free for members and children under 12. Tickets are available at the front desk. It is located in the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, Paget, close to the City of Hamilton at 183 South Rd. Phone: 441-299 4000. masterworksbermuda.org/
Bermuda Arts Centre
The Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard was established in 1984 by some local artists who wanted to promote an appreciation for visual arts and crafts in Bermuda. With a variety of themed exhibits, group shows and workshops, the Bermuda Arts Centre holds a beloved place on the local arts scene. It has even won the Best of Bermuda Gold Award for Best Art Gallery. One especially unique feature is the chance to see three studio artists at work. Whether you’re interested in learning how oil paintings, watercolours, prints or jewellery are made, this is the place to go if you want to see creativity in action. One-of-a-kind gifts can also be purchased at the gift shop. This centre survives on community support, so art purchases, membership fees and donations are especially appreciated. It’s a charming venue where visitors can see how local talent is nurtured on the island. 4 Maritime Lane, Royal Naval Dockyard. Contact the gallery for hours and exhibit information. bermudaartscentre@gmail.com Phone: 441-534-2809 ArtBermuda.com
Bermuda Society of Arts (BSOA)
Known by locals as The Peoples Gallery, the Bermuda Society of Arts (BSoA) is located inside the City Hall & Arts Centre. The oldest established arts organisation in the country, it was formed in 1952 by 25 art enthusiasts. Some of the founding members’ work was so good their pieces became part of the collections at the Bermuda National Gallery, Masterworks Foundation, the Premier’s official residence and the BSoA. After a series of renovations, in 1967, the large exhibition space was divided up to provide areas for artists to hold private or small exhibitions. Today, there are also offices and studio galleries for first-time exhibitors. Membership has grown over the years. Today the BSoA is a central part of the Bermuda arts scene. It features rotating exhibits of mostly local artists and is dedicated to providing a superb venue for them to showcase their work. It’s also a great way for Bermudian artists to prepare to launch themselves onto the international art scene. Artwork is available for sale. You’ll also want to check out the gift shop while you’re there. You can even go online for a virtual gallery. www.bsoa.bm Gallery hours are as follows: Monday to Friday.10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. It’s closed on Sundays and public holidays. It’s located at The City Hall Arts Centre, 17 Church Street Hamilton. Phone: 441.292.3824; email: info@bsoa.bm.
Bermuda National Gallery
Also located in the City Hall & Arts Centre, the Bermuda National Gallery is a great place to connect with art. Admission is free and visitors are welcome to tour the sculpture park public art project, photography exhibits, the Renaissance masterpiece art collection and the abstract exhibit—or whatever rotating exhibits are in place when you visit. The gallery is a hub of excitement for the local community. From art classes, school visits and paid internships to yoga in the gallery, this is a wonderful space to immerse yourself in during your stay in Bermuda. Go online for a list of current exhibits and events. www.bng.bm. The Gallery is closed on Monday but hours for the rest of the week are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s located at the 2nd Floor, City Hall & Arts Centre, 17 Church Street, Hamilton, 441-295-9428.
Dragon’s Lair
Called “a rare gem of an art gallery,” you’ll want to visit this popular venue in St. George’s, particularly if you’re looking to purchase some locally made art. With so many talented artists in the area, the Dragon’s Lair became a welcome addition to the town in 2019. Though it continues to evolve, this place is staffed by the artists themselves, who are on hand to discuss their work. Whether you’re looking for jewellery, abstract ocean scenes, watercolour paintings or even rope art made from the rope of fishing boats, the Dragon’s Lair is a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration. They welcome calls and visits and can even make themselves available after hours for anyone interested in a private tour. www.dragonslairbermuda.com, 22 Somers Wharf, St. George’s, dragonslairbermuda@gmail.com.
