Cultural Activities

motorcycle license. If you do not have a licence, then staff can take you on the back of their bike.

Mastic Reserve & Trail The Mastic Reserve protects 834 acres of lowland semi-deciduous forest, wetlands and core habitat for many of the Island’s unique animals, birds and plants. The area is traversed by the historic Mastic Trail, which is a wilderness path meandering through a variety of natural habitats. Some of Cayman’s rarest trees can be seen here including mahogany, ironwood and West Indian cedar, as well as wild orchids and medicinal plants. Geological features such as sink holes, jagged limestone bedrock and splits can also be seen along the trail. The National Trust hosts guided three-hour nature walks with a trained and experienced naturalist. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and sunscreen and bring water and mosquito repellent. Booking and prepayment is required for a minimum of six participants. The trail is open 365 days per year and self-guided tours can be accessed free of charge. For self-guided tours we suggest purchasing their Mastic Trail Adventure Guide for CI$4 available at the National Trust office, located at Dart Park. For more information or to book a school, corporate or private customised guided tour, call (345) 749 1121 or email: tours@nationaltrust.org.ky.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

MUSEUMS Cayman Islands National Museum

The Cayman Islands National Museum is located in Cayman’s oldest public building, the Old Courts building in George Town. Permanent exhibits showcase Cayman’s art and traditions, cultural and natural history, including boats, furniture, textiles, paintings and ceramics. Many of the Museum’s exhibits are interactive and include a simulated submarine showing marine species and habitats, a 3D bathymetric map of our ocean floor and Cayman’s location in the Caribbean, two life-like talking animatronic figures and an audiovisual presentation on Cayman’s history, environment and people. There are changing galleries that feature information on a variety of cultural history, natural history and local art-related topics. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am2pm and select public holidays. Admission is CI$6.40 for adults, CI$4.80 for seniors and CI$2.40 for children. Members and local students are admitted free. Residents can also visit for free on the first Saturday of every month. Call (345) 949 8368, or visit www.museum.ky for more information.

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The Mission House This site is known to have been utilised in the 1700s by early settlers, due to its abundant waterfowl and supply of fresh water. Located at 63 Gun Square in Bodden Town, it rose to prominence in the 1800s when it became known as the Mission House to early missionaries, teachers and families who contributed to establishing the Presbyterian ministry and school in Bodden Town. The tour takes you through all the rooms where you will see many of the genuine artefacts of glass, ceramic and more. Opening hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-2pm. Tours cost CI$10 for adults and CI$4 for children. Call (345) 749 1123 or email: projects@nationaltrust.org.ky.

CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES & EXHIBITIONS Cayman Drama Society

The Cayman Drama Society has regular classes and workshops for adults interested in acting and directing. Productions also have many opportunities for people to get involved, with a new production underway every few months from comedy and high drama to musicals. Dedicated members devote their time, talent and energy to ensure every production provides firstclass entertainment. The classes for actors to train and hone their skills include an annual beginner’s course and weekly classes for those wanting a challenge as well as a summer course that can be anything from directing skills to performance skills. They also teach script-writing, stage management, light and sound, set design and construction. There are many opportunities throughout the year such as costume, make-up, sound, lighting, bar and front-of-house. Visit www.cds.ky to become a member or join a class.

Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) CNCF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to facilitating and preserving Caymanian cultural arts by organising cultural festivals, staging and assisting others with shows at the FJ Harquail Cultural Centre, and engaging in artistic development, youth arts and special projects. Among the many events CNCF organises throughout the year is the annual festival, Cayfest (Cayman Islands National Festival of the Arts). The Festival showcases Cayman’s cultural diversity and artistic talent, and features the National Arts and Culture Awards, a Dress For Culture Day, Heritage Days and the Red Sky at Night Festival. Other festivals under the CNCF umbrella are the International Storytelling Festival of the Cayman Islands (Gimistory) and the Pirates Week National Festival. CNCF also offers the ‘Mind’s Eye’ tour of the South Sound home of the late Ms. Lassie Bush, Cayman’s acclaimed intuitive artist. Theatrical productions are also staged throughout the year. Call (345) 949 5477 or visit artscayman.org.

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) Located along the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, the National Gallery and Education Centre’s 9,000sq ft home is a dynamic nonprofit arts organisation. NGCI facilitates a wide variety of local and international exhibitions throughout the year and is home to the national art collection. The gallery hosts a range of engaging events and art happenings throughout the year including lectures, workshops, and special events for members. Annual events include the Big Art Auction (October), the Fundraising Costume Gala (November)

and a festive Member’s Christmas Party and Artisans Fair (December). The NGCI also runs an active volunteer programme and welcomes new members. Admission is free to the public; however, donations are always welcome. Visit www.nationalgallery. org.ky for more information.

The National Trust

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands offers monthly activities that teach you a great deal about the Cayman Islands. Programmes include adult lectures based on local historical and environmental topics, as well as guided tours of the Mastic Trail, Blue Iguana Conservation, and Mission House. The National Trust also offers privately guided nature walking tours, bird watching, and traditional cooking classes. Opening hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. For more information visit their Visitor’s Centre in the South Sound Dart Family Park, call (345) 749 1121, visit www.nationaltrust.org.ky or email: tours@ nationaltrust.org.ky. Cinema Camana Bay Cinema at Camana Bay is a state of-the-art, six-screen, 900-seat cinema showing the latest US and international releases. The theatres also feature dedicated seating areas and facilities for wheelchair users. You can also watch a movie in their VIP Auditorium theatres which features reserved reclining seats, Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, and an ultra-highresolution screen for CI$21.50 for adults or CI$18 for kids. The cinema hosts monthly ‘Culture at the Cinema’ events, screening performances of London’s National Theatre and Bolshoi Ballet as well as ‘Kids Club’ features held every Saturday (lower volume and brighter lights) and monthly ‘Classics @ the Cinema’ events, showing classic movies on the big screen. Visit www.camanabay. com/things-to-do-grand-cayman/movies/ for the schedule of events and to purchase tickets online. Note that the weekends are often busier than during the week as most movies come out on Fridays.

contact Cayman Music School in Camana Bay. The Music School provides group and private lessons in a variety of string and woodwind instruments including guitar, piano, flute, drums, violin, saxophone, ukulele, bass, and tuition in singing, music theory, drama and recording. They also boast a music shop and a recording studio. Visit www.caymanmusicschool. com. Established in 2001, Musicians Ltd. is the leading provider of music and performing arts in the Cayman Islands. Instrumental lessons are offered on piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums and composition. Individual and paired lessons are available at their dedicated studio, as well as a number of schools on Island. Performing Arts Group Classes are also available with several major performing opportunities throughout the year, including a full annual production. For more information

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