The recent visit by United States President Barack Obama has raised the profile of the Bob Marley Museum, already one of the more popular tourist attractions in Jamaica.
One of the world’s most revered musicians, Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley lived in this 19th century-style home on Hope Road in Kingston from 1975 until his death in 1981. The location where he recorded some of his most famous hits has now been converted into a Museum, preserving the accomplishments and personal treasures of the reggae superstar.
Bob Marley’s former house now a museum. Photo: ©Bob Marley Museum.
President Obama is no doubt one of the most distinguished visitors to experience the hour-long tour for an intriguing look into the life of the musician. Much of the home remains as it did when the artist was alive. His gold and platinum records are on display, as are the costumes of his back-up singers – the I-Threes, and other iconic pieces such as his Grammy Lifetime Achievement award. Also on display are Bob’s favorite denim stage shirt, his iconic star-shaped guitar, Rastafarian religious cloaks, and the Order of Merit presented by the Jamaican government. There is also a life size 3-dimensional hologram of Bob Marley from the One Love Peace Concert in 1978.
The Museum also boasts an 80-seat air conditioned theatre with state-of-the-art projection equipment, where visitors can see live performances of the reggae legend. A stop at the “One Love Café” gives guests the chance to sample some of the musician’s favorite recipes and juices. The property also features a photographic gallery and gift shop where a wide variety of Bob Marley memorabilia including T-shirts, posters and CDs are available.
The Bob Marley Museum welcomes locals and visitors from Mondays to Saturdays, with scheduled tours between 9:30am and 4:00pm.
Artwork at the entrance of the Bob Marley Museum courtesy of Paint Jamaica. Photo: ©Bob Marley Museum.
Top photo: President Obama sings along to Bob Marley music being piped in as he tours the Bob Marley Museum with tour guide Natasha Clark. Photo: ©Pete Souza/White House.
