Guyana Heritage Museum – One of its kind museums in Guyana

Ever thought of visiting one of its kind museums in Guyana? If not, then book your cheap flights to Georgetown and head off to see the Guyana Heritage Museum. Situated at Kastev on Guyana’s West Coast Demerara, this museum opened its door for the people in November 1999. It was formerly a home but was later transformed into a museum. The Guyana Heritage Museum owes its existence to its founder Cary Serrao, who had a passion for art and was great collector of items. It was only after relentless persuasion by Serrao’s friends that the museum could see light of the day.

It is one its kind museum in Guyana today. The museum is housed in Serrao’s building comprising of three floors. It has been peculiarly designed, and is made of irons, three legged iron pots and enamel lunch carriers. The museum comprises of several books authored by Guyanese people, stamps, coins, and maps of 18th and 19th century.

The first floor is devoted to a collection of coins which dates back to Queen Victoria’s reign. The other collections on the first floor include over 900 books, old stamps, and maps dating to 1653. The books found here relate to those on Guyana’s heritage, economy, politics and culture. These books have been written by Guyanese authors and writers of world acclaim including Dr. Cheddie Jagan, Dr. Walter Roth, Grace Nichols, Pauline Melville, E.R. Braithwaite and Edgar Mittleholzer. Here you will find some rare collection of books.

A wide range of coins and notes used in Guyana is a real treat for visitors and all those interested in numismatics. The collection includes coins of all denominations dating to 1742 such as four piece coin, half crown, and three pence and four pence coins. The stamps found here dates back to the 1860s.

The second floor of the museum is exclusively devoted to Indian, Africans and Amerindian items. The collections here include masks, books used by Amerindian tribes, pictures and utensils. There are variety of items found here such as milk cans, quanant stools from African era, costume jewellery adorned by Indians, and a 300-year-old water filter.

Much more remains to be explored here. Visiting the Guyana Heritage Museum is quite interesting indeed.