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All 119 British Virgin Islands Attractions »

Old Government House Museum

Waterfront Dr., Road Town
284 494 3701
Website
Old Government House Museum
Old Government House Museum
Old Government House Museum
Old Government House Museum
3 visitor photos
Ranked #28 of 82 attractions in British Virgin Islands
4.5 of 5 stars 3 Reviews
Owner description: Old Government House has an important place in the history and culture of the people of the British Virgin Islands. It has always been a place of...... more » Owner description: Old Government House has an important place in the history and culture of the people of the British Virgin Islands. It has always been a place of purposeful activity, hosting official functions, social gatherings and Royal visits; all of which engaged local participants.The annual garden party to celebrate the birthday of the reigning monarch entertained hundreds of citizens and residents yearly within the house and grounds and the event itself has become an institution on the calendar of social events in the British Virgin Islands. For some forty years, the party was held on the tennis court, where at other times young and old tennis enthusiasts practiced the art of the game.The house and gardens have also hosted a number of royal visitors including Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Princess Alice in 1964, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited on two occasions, once in 1966 and again in 1977, Princess Margaret in 1972, Princess Alexandra in 1988, Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1994, and Prince Andrew in 2000.Unfortunately, the materials employed during the original construction of the building in 1926 accelerated the deterioration endemic to buildings in a sub-tropical climate, hastening the mortality of the site as an official residence. The building fell into disrepair and was closed for renovations in 1996, when the Governor and his wife moved to a temporary residence on the west side of Road Harbor.A period of reflection followed during which time members of the Overseas Estates Department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London pondered over the fate of Old Government House. The decision was taken to demolish the building and construct a new residence located on the old site. However, local objections demonstrated the importance of the building within the local cultural psyche and after consultation with Virgin Islanders towards the end of the millennium in late 1999, it was considered appropriate to rehabilitate Old Government House and transform it into a museum. Once significant structural repairs and a complete internal transformation (primarily conducted by volunteers) had taken place, Old Government House Museum was opened to the public late 2002 and today provides a focus of interest for people interested in Virgin Islands history and culture. « less
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3 reviews from our community

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Greenwich London UK
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“Small but important part of Britains heritage abroad not to be missed”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2012

I discovered this little gem when visting from a cruise, there was no mention of it in any of the cruise brochures. It's very east to get to, Just 10 -12 brisk walk for the cruise port, keep to sea to your left all the way, and then just as you pass the local passenger ferry port keep on walking... More

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London
1 review
“The Best Non-Beach Attraction on Tortola!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2012

We arrived into Road Town and had heard that the 5 minute walk to Old Government House was well worth the effort - we weren't disappointed! Stepping inside is like stepping back in history. The 2 floor museum sits on a slight hill overlooking and had wonderful views of the main harbour. There are loads of interesting artefacts and photos... More

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Portland, Oregon
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
“Takes you back ! Great for Anglo Buffs. Well worth the $3 fee.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 December 2011

Don't let the $3 admission fee put you off -- it is well worth it, especially if you are a bit of an Anglo Buff. It takes you back to the old colonial days. The view over the harbor is delightful, One can just imagine the old Governor sitting there with the Chief of Police discussing current unrest in outlying... More

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