Port of Spain - National Museum and Art Gallery

Situated on a southeast panhandle of the Savannah, the National Museum and Art Gallery is located in a building which has a definite Dutch style.

The local flavor is conveyed by an extensive display on the evolution of the pans, masks and costumes used during carnival. Pans trace their roots back to the 1850s when bamboo was first used through the use of steel drums during WWII and on to modern styles.

Industrial histories include sugar, cocoa and coconut agriculture. A small display features Angostura Bitters which were invented here in the late 19th century. Petroleum use started in 1857 when the first well was drilled and grew after 1908 with the first commercial production.

Other collections include Amerindian and early settler artifacts. Small sections explain military and police history. Photos and drawings of early Trinidad are quite interesting.

The small natural history department provides a brief introduction to birds, trees and insects.

The local modern art collection of vivid paintings and sculptures shows the depth of talent local artists.