Director, Curator of the Jamaica Music Museum at the Institute of Jamaica, Herbie Miller, said it will take a priviate/public sector partnership to establish a permanent home for the entity.
Ground was broken on August 31, 2025 for the institution at the corner of East Street and Tower Street by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange.
But for now that’s all there is - a ground breaking.
Miller explained that it will require coperation to make the venture a reality.
He said the initiative being government-led but it is in the private sector’s interest to get onboard. “Most of the people who are leaders in the private sector grew up on a steady diet of our music and culture. They owe it to themselves to support these things. It is a part of how civilised nations maintain and document the people’s input. I think if they are approached at a particular level they can come together. It may not be a project that a singular entity can take on but together they can.”
The Jamaica Music Museum has been going for 17 years with displays mounted at the Institute of Jamaica. It is an impressive collection of items from some of the best known names in Jamaican music and culture but it requires a home of its own.
“Though we have broken ground and we know where the actual building will be we are still looking for the funding to put up a structure. In the meantime we have an impressive collection at Institute. It is quite lively and exciting. It gives an indication of where we can be and where we will be in terms of what we can showcase from pre-ska to folk music, kumina, nyabinghi etc. We hope to showcase all the paraphernalia that go with these cultural expressions in a dedicated space.”
Jamaica is without a music museum, a concert hall or a performance theatre. Miller said the installation of such spaces is important to the cultural fabric of a nation.
“Any forward thinking metropolis you enter today there are museums, galleries and concert halls. We are just a little slow but I am confident that the private sector will get involved. Our music has become the advertising agency for Jamaica for over six decades. The idea of a music museum should not be taken lightly as universities are not taken lightly. It is not just about the tourism and the visitors it will attract but it will be a place of learning.
“The Minister is very upbeat about the music museum and performance spaces across the country. Seems we are waiting a long time but it will come,” he said.
The Jamaica Music Museum showcases the rich cultural history of Jamaican music through various exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore the evolution of reggae, ska, and dancehall, learning about pivotal artists and their contributions. From Bob Marley to Peter Tosh, the museum honors the legends who shaped the sound of the island. Additionally, interactive displays provide insight into the instruments used in creating this vibrant music, and special events often feature live performances, immersing guests in the rhythm and spirit of Jamaican heritage.
The museum also emphasizes the role of music in social change, highlighting how Jamaican sounds have influenced global movements for justice and equality. Educational programs are available for schools and community groups, promoting awareness of the historical significance of Jamaican music. Guided tours offer personal anecdotes from local musicians, enriching the visitor experience and fostering a deeper appreciation for the genre. With its dynamic approach, the Jamaica Music Museum not only preserves the past but also inspires future generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
And Reggae Month has been going well for Miller. “A lot of people are saying there has never been a more busy reggae month.
The Institute of Jamaica had another “Grounation” series which Miller described as successful. “My colleagues say they have been stretched thin. We are paying respects to the three giants who have passed on Jimmy Cliff, Stephen “Cat” Coore and Sly Dunbar and so a lot has been happening. Of course we will bring the curtains down with the Reggae Gold Awards on February 28th which will be a tribute to living legend Ken Boothe.”