The Bermuda National Gallery, located in Hamilton’s City Hall, is the island’s leading art museum. It features over 1,500 works including European paintings, African art, and contemporary Bermudian pieces. The gallery hosts the Bermuda Biennial and rotating exhibitions throughout the year. It also offers public programs like tours, talks, and workshops. Admission is free, with weekly guided tours available.
Fort Hamilton
Built in the 1870s to defend Hamilton Harbour from potential American attack, Fort Hamilton is one of Bermuda’s most atmospheric historical landmarks. Located just a short walk from the city center, the fort features massive 18-ton guns, underground tunnels, a lush tropical moat garden, and sweeping panoramic views of the harbor and Great Sound from its ramparts. Originally a strategic British military post, it now offers a peaceful escape with a blend of history and nature. Visitors can explore the well-preserved stonework, wander shaded paths, and enjoy one of the island’s most unique photo spots—all while gaining insight into Bermuda’s colonial and maritime legacy.
Bermuda Society of Arts (People’s Gallery)
The Bermuda Society of Arts, often called “the People’s Gallery,” is the island’s oldest arts organization, dating back to 1952. Established by a group of local artists and supporters, it created a space to exhibit local talent at a time when opportunities were limited. Today, it remains a hub for emerging and established Bermudian artists, reflecting the evolution of the island’s artistic identity.
Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI)
Opened in 1997, the BUEI was created to highlight Bermuda’s deep connection with the sea. The institute combines scientific research with public education, featuring exhibits on shipwrecks, ocean exploration, and marine life. Its Ocean Discovery Centre reflects Bermuda’s history as a maritime crossroads, from the age of sail to modern oceanography.
Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity (Anglican Cathedral)
The Anglican Cathedral was built between 1886 and 1905, replacing an earlier church destroyed by fire. Designed in the Gothic Revival style by Scottish architect William Hay, the structure is made of native Bermuda limestone with imported Caen stone detailing. It symbolizes Bermuda’s strong Anglican heritage and serves as a reminder of the island’s colonial religious foundations.
Perot Post Office (Historic Post Office)
Opened in 1842, Perot Post Office was Bermuda’s first postal facility, established by William B. Perot, Hamilton’s first postmaster. To offset operating costs, Perot began producing hand-stamped “Perot stamps” in 1848, now among the rarest stamps in the world. This small building on Queen Street is a treasured historic site that connects Bermuda to the beginnings of international mail service.
Government House (Official Residence, 1892)
Government House, completed in 1892, is the official residence of the Governor of Bermuda. Replacing an earlier house in central Hamilton, the new residence was built on Langton Hill for greater security and space. As the seat of the Crown’s representative, it has hosted visiting royalty, dignitaries, and official ceremonies, embodying Bermuda’s continuing constitutional ties to Britain.
Point Pleasant Park
Point Pleasant Park is a peaceful green space at the eastern end of Front Street, where Hamilton Harbour meets the Atlantic. It sits beside the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and offers benches, shaded lawns, and views of cruise ships and ferries coming into the city. Historically, this point of land has long been a lookout area over the harbour, and today it serves more as a leisure park for walking, relaxing, and enjoying the waterfront.
Barr’s Bay Park
Barr’s Bay Park is a waterfront park in Hamilton, next to the Ferry Terminal and bus station. It is historically significant as the site where enslaved people aboard the American brig Enterprise were freed in 1835 when the ship docked in Bermuda. The British authorities upheld Bermuda’s anti-slavery laws, releasing 72 enslaved people, many of whom chose to remain free on the island. Today, the park features shaded benches, gardens, and memorials that commemorate this moment in Bermuda’s history.
Queen Elizabeth Park (formerly Par-la-Ville Park)
Originally the private garden of William B. Perot, Bermuda’s first postmaster, this green space later became a public park. It was renamed Queen Elizabeth Park in 2012 in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. The park is home to shady lawns, sculptures, fountains, and flowering trees. Historically, it surrounds Par-la-Ville House, a 19th-century mansion that now houses the Bermuda Historical Society Museum and the Bermuda National Library. This park reflects Bermuda’s colonial heritage while also serving as a serene public garden in the heart of Hamilton.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a central public park in Hamilton, named in honor of Queen Victoria. It has been a green space for recreation and relaxation since the late 19th century. The park features lawns, benches, walking paths, and shaded areas, making it popular for picnics, casual gatherings, and community events. Its location in the heart of Hamilton reflects the city’s urban planning during the colonial era, providing a peaceful retreat amid the bustling town.
Wesley Square Park & Theatre Boycott Statue
Wesley Square Park is a small public space in Hamilton, notable for its Theatre Boycott Statue, which commemorates the 1959 theatre boycott led by Bermuda’s Black community to protest racial segregation at Hamilton’s movie theatres. The boycott was a pivotal moment in Bermuda’s civil rights movement, helping to end discriminatory practices in entertainment venues. Today, the park serves as a place of reflection and remembrance, with the statue acting as a historical marker for social justice on the island.
Sessions House (Supreme Court of Bermuda)
Sessions House, located in Hamilton, is the home of Bermuda’s Supreme Court. Built in 1815 in the neoclassical style, it is one of the island’s most historically significant government buildings. The court has handled major legal cases throughout Bermuda’s history, from colonial-era disputes to modern constitutional matters. Architecturally, it features columns, grand staircases, and a symmetrical façade typical of early 19th-century public buildings, symbolizing justice and authority.
Sally Bassett Statue
The Sally Bassett Statue commemorates Sally Bassett, a Bermudian slave who was executed in 1730 for allegedly poisoning several members of her enslavers’ household. She is remembered as a symbol of resistance and courage against slavery. The statue was erected to honor her legacy and serves as a public reminder of Bermuda’s history of slavery and the fight for justice. It is located in Hamilton, near Barr’s Bay Park, making it accessible for reflection and education.
Hamilton Flag Pole
The Flag Pole in Hamilton is a historic civic landmark located in the city’s central square area. It has been a symbol of Bermuda’s government and colonial heritage for many decades, traditionally used during official ceremonies, national celebrations, and public events. Though small, it represents civic pride and serves as a recognizable point of reference in Hamilton’s urban landscape.
