THE HISTORY OF THE MONTEGO BAY CULTURAL CENTRE

The Montego Bay Cultural Centre played a significant role in the Emancipation fight here in Jamaica. The building, which has been in existence since 1803, was first used as a Courthouse. The building hosted many trials for enslaved Africans and also hosted many ballroom events for the whites during the period of slavery. 

Enslaved Africans  including National Hero Samuel Sharpe were tried in this very monumental building which stands tall in Montego Bay.

Following the massive Christmas Rebellion, full freedom came August 1, 1938, and the Emancipation Act was read from the balconies of the Montego Bay Cultural Centre. 

Following the ending of slavery, the Court House continued to be used as a Court Office and local government offices. 

Montego Bay started to grow as it related to new business, developments and infrastructure developments and therefore these government offices grew too small, and the Court House was moved to their new premises at St. James streets. 

The Centre was destroyed by fire in 1968. In 2001 the building was restored by the Urban Development Corporation with funding from the Venezuelan Government through the San Jose Accord and reopened as The Montego Bay Cultural Centre. 

On July 11, 2014 the building was refurbished and renovated by The Tourism Enhancement Fund and rebranded as the Montego Bay Cultural Centre on a memorandum of understanding between the St. James Municipal Corporation and The Montego Bay Arts Council. 

The building now houses the 

The Montego Bay Cultural Centre now provides unique historical and cultural experiences to local and international citizens that enter its walls. They serve as the Cultural Hub of Western Jamaica.

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