Expérience ultime

Discover the Vibrant Canvas of Bermuda's Art Scene

Hamilton's Artistic Core: Murals, Galleries, and Historic Charm

Hamilton serves as the pulsating center of Bermuda's art world, showcasing an impressive collection of street art, eye-catching murals, and a variety of art galleries. Visitors can explore the charming, historic town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1612, which also hosts significant art, including the prominent UnSettled Freedom mural. Beyond these, the National Museum of Bermuda offers further insights into the island's rich heritage.

The Iconic Front Street: A Blend of Commerce and Art

Front Street, renowned for its shopping and dining experiences overlooking Hamilton's picturesque waterfront, is also home to the distinctive Bermuda sign. This 40-foot landmark, installed in 2023 as part of the Vivid Public Art Initiative, offers a fantastic photo opportunity. After capturing memories, a visit to Devil’s Isle Café provides a chance to savor farm-to-table cuisine and enjoy people-watching from its outdoor terrace.

Embracing Creativity: October's Art Month Extravaganza

Every October, Bermuda comes alive with Art Month, a vibrant celebration of the island's artistic talent through various events, workshops, galleries, and exhibitions. A highlight is the 5K Run for the Arts, blending physical activity with cultural appreciation. The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, with its extensive collection of works by artists such as Henri Matisse, Banksy, Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, and Pablo Picasso, offers self-guided art tours.

Artistic Immersion: Sip n Paint and UNESCO World Poetry Day

For a unique artistic experience, 'Sip n Paint' sessions in Prospero Cave at Grotto Bay Resort combine painting guidance from local artists with wine and music, set in a surreal grotto environment. Additionally, King's Square in St. George hosts UNESCO World Poetry Day on March 21, featuring public poetry readings, followed by culinary delights at Mama Angie’s Coffee Shop and a scenic dinner at Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio.

Journey Through Hamilton's Public Art: A Self-Guided Exploration

The Vivid Public Art Initiative has transformed Hamilton into an open-air gallery, featuring approximately 25 art installations. Visitors can embark on a self-guided art tour using maps available at City Hall or through digital downloads. Each installation is accompanied by a QR code, offering detailed information about the artwork and its creator. For those wishing to acquire a piece of Bermudian art, the Bermuda Arts Centre, Bermuda Craft Market, and Dragon’s Lair Gallery are excellent places to discover original works.

In late November, an exclusive gathering of Wanderlust members convened in London for an enlightening session with renowned historian Bettany Hughes. Attendees were virtually whisked away to the remarkable open-air museum of AlUla in Saudi Arabia, a destination steeped in ancient mysteries and natural splendor.

Unveiling the Ancient World: Bettany Hughes on AlUla

During an engaging hour-long conversation, Bettany Hughes, alongside Wanderlust's esteemed founding editor Lyn Hughes, masterfully guided the audience through a historical odyssey. The focus of this captivating journey was the Nabateans, an enigmatic civilization whose dominance as premier traders of precious commodities such as frankincense, gold, bitumen, and pearls left an indelible mark on the ancient world.

The centerpiece of their discussion was Hegra, a former Nabatean trading hub within AlUla, now recognized as a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage site. Bettany, having recently filmed a segment for her Channel 4 series, 'Lost Worlds: The Nabateans,' shared profound insights into the myriad wonders of Hegra. She passionately articulated how the rich Nabatean culture continues to resonate and survive in various forms even in contemporary times.

For those eager to delve deeper into these enthralling narratives, Bettany's captivating accounts extend beyond the event, offering a glimpse into the astonishing historical sites and breathtaking landscapes that define AlUla. Her experiences include camel treks across the majestic deserts, deciphering ancient rock art, and immersive stargazing sessions under the vast Arabian sky. She even recounted a charming anecdote involving an unexpected gift: a baby goat, and the delightful dilemma of its care. The session was replete with valuable recommendations, practical travel tips, and boundless inspiration for maximizing a visit to this truly unforgettable destination.

To gain further knowledge about AlUla, interested individuals can visit experiencealula.com. Additionally, Bettany Hughes's television series, 'Lost Worlds: The Nabateans,' is accessible for viewing on More4. Readers can also find a comprehensive feature by Bettany Hughes on the Nabateans and AlUla in the current December/January issue of Wanderlust magazine. A forthcoming article by Lyn Hughes, focusing on the regeneration of AlUla's natural environment, is scheduled to appear in the February/March issue of Wanderlust, available for purchase on January 29, 2026.

Reflections on Historical Exploration and Cultural Preservation

The event with Bettany Hughes offered a compelling reminder of the importance of historical preservation and the power of storytelling in bringing ancient civilizations to life. It underscored how places like AlUla are not merely archaeological sites but vibrant testaments to human ingenuity and cultural continuity. As travelers and enthusiasts, we are encouraged to explore these destinations with a sense of wonder and responsibility, recognizing their irreplaceable value in understanding our shared global heritage. The discussions also highlighted the evolving role of media, from television series to print magazines, in making such profound historical and cultural narratives accessible to a wider audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the world's diverse wonders.