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Bob Marley Museum

56 Hope Road, Kingston

Housed in the former home and recording studio of reggae king Bob Marley, this museum is among the most popular attractions in all of Jamaica. Here you can see Marley’s gold and platinum records, articles of his clothing, and his favorite guitar still resting beside his bed, as well as reminders of a 1976 attempt on his life.

This home turned museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of Bob Marley, with rooms much as the singer left them (including bullet holes in the wall from a failed 1976 assassination attempt). The museum’s on-site One Love Café features many of Marley’s favorite dishes, while souvenirs and albums are available at the gift shop. All visits include hour-long tours and screenings of a 20-minute informational film. Visitor slots are limited, so it’s wise to book your visit in advance to avoid having to wait.

  • A visit to the Bob Marley Museum is a must for reggae-music lovers.

  • Visitors may not roam the house independently, but the museum runs guided tours every half hour.

  • The ground floor of the house is wheelchair-accessible, but guests unable to mount the stairs won’t be able to experience the whole tour.

The Bob Marley Museum is located at 56 Hope Road, a long street that runs through the center of Kingston. It's about a 10-minute drive from Emancipation Park or a 20- to 30-minute drive from the Kingston Railway Station downtown. Buses 75 and 76 stop within a short walk of the museum.

The Bob Marley Museum is open Monday through Saturday, from 9:30am to 4pm. The best time to visit is in February, Jamaica's official Reggae Month (Marley was born on February 6). Special events including lectures and workshops are held all month long on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Reggae music continues to thrive in Jamaica and around the world, particularly in places with large Jamaican populations, notably the UK. Numerous subgenres fall under the general reggae heading. Roots reggae is slower and generally features Rastafarianism-related lyrics, while dancehall is a faster-paced, more modern style characterized by pre-produced background tracks or “riddims” that are used by multiple artists and often released on compilation albums.

Yes, you can visit Bob Marley's old house in Jamaica. His final house in Kingston has been turned into a museum. The Bob Marley Museum offers great insight into the life and music career of Jamaica's best-known reggae artists.

The Bob Marley Museum is full of ephemera from Marley's life, including his gold and platinum record trophies, old guitars, and some of his clothes. Many of the rooms retain their original look. You can see bullet holes in the walls, a relic of an assassination attempt on the singer.

Yes, you can take pictures at the Bob Marley Museum, but only on the grounds. People like to pose next to a life-size statue of the artist, and you are welcome to photograph the house from the outside. Photography is prohibited inside the museum.

The Bob Marley Museum is located at 56 Hope Road in a posh area of Kingston, Jamaica. Busses 75 and 76 stop nearby, and taxis are widely available. Many Kingston tours stop at the Bob Marley Museum and include transportation from your hotel, avoiding worry about navigating Kingston.

Yes, there are gift shops, record shops, and a café at the Bob Marley Museum. The shops sell Marley-related souvenirs, such as T-shirts, records, CDs, keychains, and Bob Marley-branded footwear. The museum's One Love Café serves Jamaican ital food, fresh juices, and soft drinks.

There are loads of spots in Kingston worth visiting before or after your Bob Marley Museum tour. These include the National Gallery of Jamaica, the Georgian-style Devon House, the former residence of Jamaica's first Black millionaire, and the massive Emancipation Park, a beautiful green space filled with statues and trails.

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