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.