Discover Haggatt Hall

In Haggatt Hall, a striking work of art and a modern feature come together: the Emancipation Statue was created by Karl Broodhagen, considered Barbados’ best-known sculptor; the roof of Sky Mall is powered by solar energy. Both give the place a distinctive character. When choosing a holiday rental for your trip, they can also serve as points of reference: are you mainly interested in public art, or would you also like to include architecture, history and local food culture in Saint Michael in your plans?

Art and a Striking Landmark

The Emancipation Statue connects Haggatt Hall with the work of Karl Broodhagen. The sculptor created the work, whose name and design evoke emancipation. For travellers who want to discover Barbados through its art and history, this is a good starting point for exploring other cultural themes in Saint Michael.

Bussa is also a commemorative landmark: the massive bronze statue depicts an enslaved person with broken chains and stands at the Emancipation Roundabout on Highway 1. It commemorates the end of slavery. The two references offer different ways to engage with the subject: Broodhagen’s artistic work on the one hand, and the explicit depiction of remembrance of enslavement on the other.

Saint Michael: History, Exhibitions and Architecture

As a wider travel destination, Saint Michael offers further cultural perspectives. Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison includes a well-preserved old town whose history stretches back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Within this historic setting, the galleries of the Barbados Museum & Historical Society are housed in buildings that once served as a 19th-century military prison. The Jubilee Gallery’s exhibition “In search of Bim” traces Barbados’ prehistoric and historical development up to the 1940s.

The themes can be distinguished according to your interests: the Jubilee Gallery offers a broad view of the island’s development over time, while the Harewood Gallery illustrates ecological connections. Its exhibitions and dioramas cover coral reefs and their marine life, as well as mangrove swamps and seagrass beds. In the West Wing of the Barbados Parliament Buildings, an interactive exhibition uses audiovisual displays and text panels to explore the development of democracy in Barbados. Check the current visitor arrangements before your visit.

Individual buildings also offer historical highlights. St Mary’s Anglican Church stands on Bridgetown’s first consecrated site; the present church was consecrated in 1827. Rihanna Drive, meanwhile, recalls a later chapter of local cultural history: the street where Rihanna grew up was given its current name in 2017. These places appeal to different interests, from religious and architectural history to a well-known name in music.

Tours and Culinary Insights

If you enjoy combining culture with a guided exploration, the Barbados Museum & Historical Society offers a two-hour walking tour of Bridgetown. It introduces historic sites and architecture of cultural significance and runs during opening hours, between 9 am and 3 pm. Booking in advance is required; check the current arrangements before your trip. Kensington Oval adds a cricket history dimension: the stadium was founded in 1882, and guided tours are available. Check with the venue to see whether a tour is available when you visit.

Temple Yard offers a different side of Saint Michael: an open-air food and craft market in Cheapside, Bridgetown. Known as a local Rastafarian street market, it brings together culinary and craft offerings. Ital-style vegetarian dishes are available there daily; individual products and vendors may vary. This gives you the chance to weigh up your travel interests, from cultural exhibitions and historic sites to a guided tour or a market visit, without combining these distinct experiences into a single itinerary.

Haggatt Hall thus offers its own cultural point of reference, while Saint Michael provides a setting for exploring other themes, from island history and architecture to ecology and food. When choosing your holiday rental, consider which of these interests matter most for your trip.

For the wider travel overview: Saint Michael.