Culture & Arts

Before Columbus arrived here during his second voyage in 1493, the island had already been inhabited for some one thousand years. The first people to settle here were a tribe of Arawak Indians who left their homeland in the Orinoco basin of South America and kept migrating upwards along the chain of islands in the Caribbean. They gave it the name "Soualiga" meaning "Land of Salt" for the salt-pans and the brackish water they found here in great abundance.

Dutch, French and West Indian cultures have come together on this one small island. Several museums trace the history of the area from the island's original Indian inhabitants through the development of sugar cane plantations and rum production. Carnival, with its parades, costumes and dancing is celebrated as a pre-Lenten festival on the French side, culminating on Ash Wednesday each year. On the Dutch side, Carnival is held after Easter, offering visitors a second opportunity to enjoy the usual island-style merrymaking.

Numerous poets, playwrights and writers reside in St. Maarten / St. Martin, drawing upon the history and culture of this and other nearby islands for their inspiration. Art galleries offer painting, sculpture and lithography by talented local artists. Much of their work reflects the natural beauty of the island and its people.

Guava berry is the legendary folk liqueur of St. Maarten. It was first made here hundreds of years ago in private homes. People made as much as they needed to serve family and friends. It became and still is an integral part of the local island culture. The word itself conjures up memories of the olden days, folk songs and stories.

The Guava berry itself is a wild local berry, which is found in the warm hills at the center of the island. Guavaberry fruits are rare and seasonal, making the liqueur even more unique.

Museums & Cultural Activities

There is only one museum on the Dutch side of the island. Through hard work and special donations from many St. Maarteners the museum today reveals a rich era of great discoveries. Hidden down a small alley at the head of Frontstreet you'll find an impressive display of St. Maarten's history, geology and natural environment.
You can take a glimpse into the life of the Arawak Indians, study the industrial period, and check the original engravings from Fort Amsterdam. There's also a special collection of artifacts from the Proselyte wreck, originally a Dutch frigate built in 1770. If you're more into the islands' nature, see the exhibition of dried herbs and shells and learn about how St. Maarten was formed.

End your tour by going through the impressive collection of articles and photographs of the major hurricanes that have struck the island. Experience for yourself how St. Maarten was before and after these destructive storms and how rapidly the island got back on her feet.

The entry is free, however any donation can help the museum's future.
The museum is open Mondays to Fridays from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
The St. Maarten Museum
Frontstreet # 7, Philipsburg
Tel: 599 542 4917