The Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) was established in 1879 by Sir Anthony Musgrave, then Governor of Jamaica. Located at 10-16 East Street Kingston, the IOJ is led by its mandate, “For the Encouragement of Literature, Science and Art in Jamaica ”. The Institute has responsibility for the following organizations:
The African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica /Jamaica Memory Bank (ACIJ/JMB)The Jamaica Music Museum (JAMM)
Liberty Hall: Legacy of Marcus Garvey – a project of the ACIJ/JMB
The Junior Centres (Programmes Coordination)
The Natural History Museum of Jamaica
National Museum Jamaica
Museums of History and Ethnography
The National Gallery of Jamaica
The National Library of Jamaica
Simon Bolivar Cultural Centre
The function of the Institute varies according to the role and responsibilities of each Division. These include:
National Museum Jamaica: To establish and maintain museums and galleries for the collection, preservation and presentation of artefacts and art treasures.
Natural History: To maintain and display Jamaica’s flora and fauna collections
ACIJ/JMB: To document and disseminate information on the impact of the African presence inJamaica and the wider Caribbean . Liberty Hall: Legacy of Marcus Garvey is a unit of the ACIJ formed to promote the memory of Marcus Garvey among Jamaicans through educational programmes, exhibitions among others.
Junior Centres: To develop the potential of children in visual and performing arts and to broaden their appreciation of Jamaica’s culture.
National Gallery: To acquire Jamaican art for Public display.