Nassau Library and Museum

The Nassau Library and Museum once served as a jail and now houses a library and museum. This charming structure showcases colonial-era architecture and offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore the history of the Bahamas while perusing a library collection and museum exhibits within its confines.

The Nassau Library is more than just a collection of books. Formerly a jail, the pink octagonal building is one of the oldest structures in Nassau. With its unique appearance, interesting history, and central location, any travelers looking for things to do in Downtown Nassau will want to check it out.

Good to Know

Location: At the intersection of Parliament Street and Shirley Street in Downtown Nassau

How Long to Spend: 30 minutes

TripAdvisor Rating: 4 stars.

Nearby Attractions: Queen’s Staircase, Fort Fincastle, Parliament Square, Bahamas Historical Society

Entry Fees: Open to the public, no entry fees

Nassau Library: Top Things to Do in Downtown Nassau

Nassau Public Library and Museum is a historical attraction in Nassau Old Town Bahamas.

From artifacts to adult fiction, the Nassau library has it all.

How to Visit

Nassau Old Town is in the Downtown portion of the island, making it easy to visit no matter where you are on New Providence.

Many visitors enter Nassau by cruise ship. If you fall into that category of traveler, a quick five-minute walk will have you at the library. You can also take a taxi, but while comfortable, traffic might make walking the faster option.

That said, if you are staying at a hotel on the island, a taxi will probably be the most straightforward way to reach the Nassau Library. You can also take a bus if you’re feeling adventurous.

Library hours are from 10 am to 5:45 pm, Monday through Thursday. On Friday, it’s open from 10 am to 4:45 pm, and on Saturday, from 10 am to 3:45 pm.

Where Is It?

The Nassau Library and Museum is at the intersection of Parliament Street and Shirley Street. A block over from Bay Street, the main Nassau thoroughfare, the library is adjacent to Parliament Square and close to other Nassau Old Town highlights.

Once you arrive, you’ll see that the building has four floors. Travelers interested in checking out a book can find children’s books on the lowest level along with paperback novels and adult fiction. There are also a couple of public computers available for use.

The floor above houses non-fiction books, reference books, and a collection of historical artifacts. Above that is where visitors can access the balcony, which is next to the attic, the latter of which is where the library stores the artifacts it doesn’t have on display.

Nassau Cenotaph is a historical war memorial located in downtown

What to See in Nassau Old Town

In addition to the Nassau Library, you’ll find several exciting attractions in the nearby area. Participating in a walking tour of these sites and others is one of the best things to do in Downtown Nassau.

1. The Nassau Public Library and Museum former Jail House

Whether you’re there for the history or the books, the Nassau Library is a fun spot to visit while in the country’s capital. It’s easy to appreciate the work the local government has put into the site – what was once a dark and gloomy prison has become a bright and airy reading center.

Make sure to access the octagonal balcony, as it features a fantastic view of Nassau.

The Nassau Library building was Nassau's first Jail House, a unique historical building within the Nassau Old Town.

From prisoners to books, the Nassau Library has seen a lot in its 250 years.

The Bahamas Historical Society

The Bahamas Historical Society is a nearby Nassau Old Town attraction with a huge collection of historical goodies. From artifacts dating back to pre-Colombian times to pieces of the country’s colonial past, it’s easy to spend a good chunk of time soaking up all that the center has to offer.

The Bahamas Historical Society is one of the best things to do in Downtown Nassau.

The Magna Carta Court

Right around the corner from the Nassau Library is another highlight, an old building called the Magna Carta Court. Constructed in the 1780s, it’s another historic structure. It’s also one of the only buildings you’ll see in the Nassau area featuring exposed stone, making it architecturally significant.

Magna Carta Court building in downtown Nassau Old Town is located close to the Nassau Public Library and Museum

The Manga Carta Court looks like it came straight out of Europe.

Ansbacher House

Another pink Nassau building is Ansbacher House, a historic and iconic mansion known for its colonial-era architecture and cultural significance. Found on East Bay Street, the colorful home made a cameo in the 2014 film The Other Woman.

There are many historical buildings within Nassau Old Town Bahamas.

Nassau Old Town is full of colorful buildings like the Ansbacher House.

Nassau Public Library and Museum Travel Tips

Know the history: The Nassau Library is the only historical octagonal structure in the Bahamas and was previously a jail. Built between 1798 and 1800, it became a library in 1873 after another prison opened, allowing its transformation into a place of learning.
Speak with the librarians: Several travelers have reported having positive experiences with the librarians. If you’re looking to learn more about the site’s history or are just on the hunt for the right book, try talking with one of them.
Check Opening Hours: Verify the operating hours of the Nassau Library and Museum Jail House in advance, as they may vary depending on the day of the week and holidays.
Respect the Artifacts: Be mindful not to touch or handle artifacts unless it’s explicitly allowed. Many items on display may be delicate or of significant historical value.
Combine with Other Attractions: The Nassau Library and Museum Jail House is located in a historic part of Nassau. Consider combining your visit with nearby attractions like Parliament Square or Fort Fincastle to make the most of your time in the area
Make time for the Bahamas Historical Society: Just around the corner from the Nassau Library, the Bahamas Historical Society is one of the best places to learn about Bahamian history. Give yourself time to explore it, as the center houses an extensive collection of historical artifacts and more.

Nassau Public Library and Museum information and opening times. Located in Downtown Nassau Old Town the Nassau Library is a historical building which was Nassau's first jail house.

Make sure the Nassau Library is open when you try to visit!

Explore a Less Visited Side of Nassau Old Town

Since many visitors to the Bahamas stick to the beaches, a lot of history and culture in Nassau often gets missed. With its unique colors and fascinating past, the Nassau Library and Museum is one attraction you’ll want to make time to visit.

Nassau Old Town is the place to go to see some of the top historic sites in the Bahamas. If you’re looking to learn more about the attractions you can see there, make sure to check out our other travel guides and interactive Map of Nassau Old Town.