Amuseum Naturalis
Amuseum Naturalis
5
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
About
Amuseum Naturalis is a free museum of the nature, history and culture of St. Martin and the Caribbean, created by Les Fruits de Mer. It is located at the historic Old House in French Quarter on the hill above Le Galion. For the latest information about exhibits and special events, visit http://amuseumnaturalis.com.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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5.0
10 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jimmy W
10 contributions
Dec 2022
This is a free & open museum that individuals can come to take a look at some animals, plants, and a little bit of history about Saint Martin (very little history). It is tailored to children and is a great way to kill an hour or so walking around and looking at all the animals in jars, listening to the sounds of a few birds, and looking at local plants.
My two year old daughter really liked the different animals in jars and was our morning activity between breakfast and lunch. The museum is outdoors and free so it was worth checking out. It is not something I would go out of my way to check out without kids, but it was great for us.
My two year old daughter really liked the different animals in jars and was our morning activity between breakfast and lunch. The museum is outdoors and free so it was worth checking out. It is not something I would go out of my way to check out without kids, but it was great for us.
Written 23 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jared B
Edmonton, Canada9 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
When you arrive in St Martin, you'll find a tropical landscape filled with a plethora of plants and critters. Most visitors may leave it at that, not caring, but before people started traveling to all areas of the planet, different parts of the world were more isolated from each other, so different places ended up with different special species. That's why there are plants and animals that are only found in the Lesser Antilles, or even only St Martin. But people bring plants and animals into areas they never would have reached otherwise, and these species that arrive with people can push out the special native species, and even drive them to extinction. So you'll see some of the same species as you might find in other tropical places, but many were introduced by people. The result is a crazy kaleidoscope of tropical things on St Martin. How do you make sense of it all? You can start by visiting Amuseum Naturalis!
This self-guided outdoor museum is on the grounds of "The Old House" which once was surrounded by sugarcane and coffee plantations. Here you'll learn about species found only in the Caribbean, such as the lignum vitae, Latin for "tree of life." This tree has incredibly hard wood, among the hardest in the world, and Europeans nearly drove it to extinction by harvesting it to make bowls and chalices during the 17th and 18th centuries. You'll also learn about some other species that only exist on St Martin, including a katydid that mimics leaves, the spotted woodslave gecko, the bearded anole, and the St Martin skink!
The museum also has displays about the invasive non-native species that humans have introduced to St Martin, such as the green iguana, the vervet monkey, the raccoon, the house sparrow, the collared dove, among many others. There are many invasive plants as well, such as coralita, a vine with beautiful pink flowers that is now dominating the landscape.
You'll learn about plants the Arawak-speaking Amerindians used as medicine before Europeans arrived, such as a relative of pepper used to treat fever, and the physic nut used to treat gastrointestinal problems. Some medicinal plants were brought from Africa during the slave trade as well, including the maiden apple and stingy thyme.
We got the privilege of meeting Mark Yokoyama, an insect researcher who founded Les Fruits de Mer, the organization behind Amuseum Naturalis. He is a jack of all trades, with a great deal of knowledge about the plants and animals of the Antilles and especially St Martin, having written numerous books on the subject. He was very kind and explained issues with funding biodiversity surveys and conservation efforts.
After visiting Amuseum Naturalis, you'll gain perspective on the complex assortment of species you find on St Martin, why it is so special, and why it is in trouble. Never again will you think every tropical place has the same set of creatures on a nondescript green backdrop of plants.
This self-guided outdoor museum is on the grounds of "The Old House" which once was surrounded by sugarcane and coffee plantations. Here you'll learn about species found only in the Caribbean, such as the lignum vitae, Latin for "tree of life." This tree has incredibly hard wood, among the hardest in the world, and Europeans nearly drove it to extinction by harvesting it to make bowls and chalices during the 17th and 18th centuries. You'll also learn about some other species that only exist on St Martin, including a katydid that mimics leaves, the spotted woodslave gecko, the bearded anole, and the St Martin skink!
The museum also has displays about the invasive non-native species that humans have introduced to St Martin, such as the green iguana, the vervet monkey, the raccoon, the house sparrow, the collared dove, among many others. There are many invasive plants as well, such as coralita, a vine with beautiful pink flowers that is now dominating the landscape.
You'll learn about plants the Arawak-speaking Amerindians used as medicine before Europeans arrived, such as a relative of pepper used to treat fever, and the physic nut used to treat gastrointestinal problems. Some medicinal plants were brought from Africa during the slave trade as well, including the maiden apple and stingy thyme.
We got the privilege of meeting Mark Yokoyama, an insect researcher who founded Les Fruits de Mer, the organization behind Amuseum Naturalis. He is a jack of all trades, with a great deal of knowledge about the plants and animals of the Antilles and especially St Martin, having written numerous books on the subject. He was very kind and explained issues with funding biodiversity surveys and conservation efforts.
After visiting Amuseum Naturalis, you'll gain perspective on the complex assortment of species you find on St Martin, why it is so special, and why it is in trouble. Never again will you think every tropical place has the same set of creatures on a nondescript green backdrop of plants.
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria G
Brooklyn, NY33 contributions
June 2018 • Couples
I saw the museum in its early stages, and am loving its transformation from a pop-up in Grand Case to a place with a more expansive and permanent home. The museum forms such a vital function on the island of giving people an entertaining way to really learn about the world around them. The exhibits are beautiful and the research is exhaustive. And everyone who works there is so knowledgeable, and really cares about sharing that knowledge.
What's even better is that the museum is constantly growing and evolving in its new space, so every time we come back, we can see something new.
What's even better is that the museum is constantly growing and evolving in its new space, so every time we come back, we can see something new.
Written 19 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura B
St Martin / St Maarten17 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
Amuseum Naturalis is created in and around a historic home on St. Martin. It is a special place to visit, for all ages. At Amuseum Naturalis you can discover St. Martin through a variety of exhibitions and attractions touching on nature, culture and history.
Les Fruit Des Mer, the organisation who put the museum together is always busy adding new material to the museum and organise fun educational events year-round. You can also volunteer with Les Fruit Des Mer, which is a fun and rewarding experience!
Les Fruit Des Mer, the organisation who put the museum together is always busy adding new material to the museum and organise fun educational events year-round. You can also volunteer with Les Fruit Des Mer, which is a fun and rewarding experience!
Written 1 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navigate819412
5 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
The recently re-Opened Amuseum Naturalis, is a gem if you are interested in learning about the Island of St.Martin. Located n the hills of the French Quarter overlooking the Le Gallion Beach, Orient Beach, and the small salt ponds on the North-Eastern part of the Island.
The Foundation: Les Fruit de Mer have worked extremely hard with the help of volunteers to relaunch the Museum at this new location which was no small feat considering the devastating Hurricane Irma in Sept '17. It's a great place, with many artifacts and items on exhibition of the natural flora and fauna of the Island and region. There's also a plant nursery where native plants are grown.
Special events organised by Le Fruits de Mer are also being held at the Museum, with the Migratory Bird Festival up next on October 13th 2018, which is FREE to the public. All in all a definite recommendation, for everyone young and old.
The Foundation: Les Fruit de Mer have worked extremely hard with the help of volunteers to relaunch the Museum at this new location which was no small feat considering the devastating Hurricane Irma in Sept '17. It's a great place, with many artifacts and items on exhibition of the natural flora and fauna of the Island and region. There's also a plant nursery where native plants are grown.
Special events organised by Le Fruits de Mer are also being held at the Museum, with the Migratory Bird Festival up next on October 13th 2018, which is FREE to the public. All in all a definite recommendation, for everyone young and old.
Written 27 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harley SXM
Philipsburg, St Martin / St Maarten10 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
Last Saturday I went to the first session of the birdsleuth Caribbean training. The training is given by Binkie van Es and teaches educators and youth group leaders about birds and activities they can do with their youngsters. I especially liked bird bingo. Hereby you have to go outside to look for different one of birds and possible things birds can do like flying or eating. I saw birds eating at the bird feeder. I know children are going to love this activity. After the training I had a chance to look at the exhibition that is temporarily in the side building while the main building is in restoration. Despite the temporary location I was very impressed with the way the information is displayed. By accompanying the information with visueel and audio effect it is attractive for all ages. The garden around the buildings is beautiful and gives information about local vegetation. Although still a work in progress this museum is worth multiple visits. It is amazing to see it grow. And for all Dutch minded people it is totally free of charge. But feel free to show your appreciation in the form of a donation!
Written 27 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim D
St Martin / St Maarten5 contributions
May 2018 • Family
This place is wonderful, the "Old House" used to belong to a local family residing on the island. The Old House is now a museum and offers educational activities for tourist and locals. A must see for the entire family.
One will be familiarized with local flora and fauna. If you're lucky you might hear some local tales around the Old House. The area is also lovely and close to Orient and Le Gallion Beach. I personally recommend going here for a stop.
One will be familiarized with local flora and fauna. If you're lucky you might hear some local tales around the Old House. The area is also lovely and close to Orient and Le Gallion Beach. I personally recommend going here for a stop.
Written 27 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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