Museum of St Helena
Discover St. Helena's rich history, from sunken ship treasures to its unique population, all for free!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cool down and learn history
Museum of St Helena
Best Time
Cool down and learn history
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover St. Helena's rich history, from sunken ship treasures to its unique population, all for free!
"A small museum that packs a punch, covering St. Helena's varied history."
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to the museum is free, making it a must-visit for budget travelers and history buffs alike.
Conquer Jacob's Ladder
Climb the 699 steps and get a certificate at the museum to prove your feat! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunken Ship Artifacts
Discover treasures recovered from a historic sunken ship, offering a tangible link to maritime past.
Jacob's Ladder Scale Model
See a detailed scale model of the famous 699-step Jacob's Ladder, a historical feat of engineering.
Island Population History
Learn about St. Helena's unique melting pot of cultures, shaped by English settlers and global slaves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big History
Jacob's Ladder Connection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to the museum is free, making it a must-visit for budget travelers and history buffs alike.
Conquer Jacob's Ladder
Climb the 699 steps and get a certificate at the museum to prove your feat! :athletic_shoe:
Two Hours Recommended
Allow at least two hours to explore the extensive displays covering St. Helena's varied history.
Souvenir Shop Treasures
Browse the souvenir shop for unique items, including art exhibitions organized by local artists. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to the museum is free, making it a must-visit for budget travelers and history buffs alike.
Conquer Jacob's Ladder
Climb the 699 steps and get a certificate at the museum to prove your feat! :athletic_shoe:
Two Hours Recommended
Allow at least two hours to explore the extensive displays covering St. Helena's varied history.
Souvenir Shop Treasures
Browse the souvenir shop for unique items, including art exhibitions organized by local artists. :gift:
Curator is Approachable
Don't hesitate to chat with the curator; they are very knowledgeable and friendly. :smiley:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Museum of St Helena for its free admission and rich historical content, particularly its displays on the island's unique population and maritime past. The location at the base of Jacob's Ladder is a significant draw, and the opportunity to purchase a certificate for climbing the stairs is a popular perk. While some find the museum small, most agree it packs a punch and is well worth a visit.
"Museum of Saint Helena. had a quick visit and the entrance is free. had many artifacs from the sunken ship and displayed at the museum. also on display is the scale model of the Jacobs Ladder from the old days. Very interesting. So when you happen to visit Saint Helena make sure you pass by and take a peak of this place and also after climbing the 699 steps you can pay for your certificate there stating how fast did you manage to climb up."
marlon paras
"I visited the museum from a cruise stop at the end of November 2024. They stayed open especially for us.
The museum has an extensive collection for such a small island population. It is housed on 2 floors and has a small gift area.
Easy to find, as it is situated at the bottom of Jacob's Ladder "699 steps" the original means of taking supplies to the fort.
If you complete the ladder you can buy a certificate at the museum.
Be warned it is not a challenge if you are unfit. Some are legless after the effort and once you are halfway there is no alternative to completion.
The curator is very approachable."
Brian Rennie
"A small museum that packs a punch. Covers St. Helena’s history. Not too much about Napoleon—go to Longwood House for that—except you’ll learn that the English took Ascension and Tristan islands to prevent the French from using these islands as a staging ground to free their former Emperor.
Don’t miss the fascinating display upstairs which explains how St. Helena was populated by English and slaves from most of the world to create today’s unique Saints melting pot.
I love history and came back twice to take in all the displays—two hours in all.
The Museum is free and located at the base of Jacob’s Ladder."
Karin Sinniger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located in the center of Jamestown, at the bottom of Jacob's Ladder. There is ample parking nearby.
While specific public transport routes might be limited on the island, Jamestown is the capital and most accessible area. Taxis or walking are common options.
The museum is situated at the base of the famous Jacob's Ladder and is in the heart of Jamestown, offering easy access to other attractions and amenities.
Yes, if your cruise docks in Jamestown, the museum is a short and pleasant walk away.
Yes, the museum is located in the center of town, and there are usually plenty of parking spaces around the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Museum of St Helena offers free admission, making it an excellent value for visitors.
Opening hours can vary, especially for cruise ship visitors. It's advisable to check locally or inquire if you are visiting during a cruise stop, as they have stayed open late for passengers.
No, advance booking is not required as the museum has free entry.
There is no specific dress code, but it's recommended to dress comfortably and respectfully for visiting any cultural institution.
Yes, you can purchase a certificate at the museum to commemorate your climb up the 699 steps of Jacob's Ladder.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features artifacts from a sunken ship, a scale model of Jacob's Ladder, and exhibits detailing the island's unique population history and varied past.
Most visitors find that two hours is sufficient to explore all the displays thoroughly.
Yes, the museum offers engaging displays that can be interesting for children, especially the ship artifacts and the scale model of Jacob's Ladder.
Yes, the museum has a small gift area with a good selection of items, including art from local exhibitions.
While the museum touches upon St. Helena's history related to Napoleon, for in-depth information, Longwood House is the primary destination.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for any signage or ask museum staff before taking pictures inside.
The scale model of Jacob's Ladder and the displays of artifacts from the sunken ship are visually interesting subjects for photos.
The museum's location at the base of Jacob's Ladder offers fantastic photo opportunities of the ladder itself and the surrounding Jamestown landscape. +1
Morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the colorful buildings of Jamestown and the dramatic setting of Jacob's Ladder.
While you can photograph the certificate, it's a personal memento. The real photo opportunity is the climb itself!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making the climb up Jacob's Ladder (if open and suitable for your family's fitness level) a pre- or post-museum activity. The museum's location in Jamestown also means you're close to other family-friendly spots in the capital. Remember to check for any photography restrictions before snapping pictures of the exhibits.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with the free climb up Jacob's Ladder (if accessible) for a day of exploration that costs nothing but your energy. The museum also has a souvenir shop, which can be a good place to find affordable mementos if you choose to purchase something.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
Don't miss the upstairs displays that delve into the island's diverse origins. The approachable curator is also a great resource for deeper insights into St. Helena's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of St. Helena's Population
Exhibits often highlight the social structures and daily lives of these early inhabitants. The museum's approach is to present this complex history in digestible segments, making it accessible to all visitors. It's a crucial part of the island's narrative, explaining the origins of its diverse community.
For those interested in genealogy or cultural studies, the museum offers a foundational understanding of the forces that shaped St. Helena's population. It’s a reminder that the island’s history is intertwined with global trade routes and colonial expansion.
Jacob's Ladder: A St. Helena Icon
While the museum itself doesn't have the ladder, it plays a role in the Jacob's Ladder experience. Visitors can purchase a certificate at the museum to commemorate their successful ascent, a popular souvenir for those who brave the climb.
Although Jacob's Ladder has undergone renovations, its presence is intrinsically linked to the museum's location and appeal. The scale model within the museum provides a great perspective on the ladder's engineering and historical significance, even if you can't climb it at that moment.
Maritime Heritage and Sunken Treasures
These artifacts not only tell a story of a specific shipwreck but also contribute to the broader narrative of St. Helena's role as a strategic location and a waypoint for naval and merchant vessels. The museum's curation of these finds provides visitors with a unique opportunity to see history brought to life, from the depths of the ocean to the display cases.
Exploring these maritime relics can be a highlight for history enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the sea. The sheer effort involved in recovering and preserving these items underscores their historical importance and the dedication of those involved in their rediscovery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit