Information
Landmark: Pelican Craft CentreCity: Bridgetown
Country: Barbados
Continent: North America
Pelican Craft Centre, Bridgetown, Barbados, North America
Overview
Pelican Craft Centre, a lively hub for Barbadian art and craftsmanship, sits in the heart of Bridgetown, where shelves brim with hand-carved mahogany and brightly painted pottery.Brightly painted stalls brim with handmade baskets, carved wooden masks, and woven fabrics, each a piece of the island’s artistry, craftsmanship, and deep cultural heritage.It’s the perfect spot to pick up hand-carved wooden figurines, browse vibrant island artwork, and give back to the Barbadian artists who make them.The single step is number one.The Pelican Craft Centre sits right on Broad Street, in the bustling heart of Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, where you can hear the hum of traffic and the chatter of street vendors.Just a short walk from other major attractions, it’s a regular stop for tourists wandering the city.The Pelican Craft Centre, founded in the 1970s, began as a project to keep Barbadian craftsmanship alive-bright fabrics, hand-carved wood, and all.The Centre was created as a lively marketplace where local artisans and craft makers could sell their work-handwoven baskets, for example-and show off their skills.It focuses on locally made goods, giving visitors an authentic taste of Barbadian culture through its arts and crafts.At the Pelican Craft Centre, locals and visitors wander between stalls lined with handmade jewelry, bright paintings, soft textiles, and finely carved wood, all crafted by artisans whose work celebrates Barbadian heritage.Many artisans are right there on-site, so visitors can chat with them, hear how they shape each piece, and watch the curl of wood shavings fall as they work.At the market, you’ll find a colorful mix of traditional Barbadian crafts-smooth wood carvings of turtles and island scenes, silver and coral jewelry shaped by local hands, batik fabrics and handwoven baskets, bright dresses and shirts, vivid paintings of palm-fringed beaches, pottery molded from island clay, handmade dolls in traditional dress, and souvenirs that capture Barbados, from a carved fish to a jar of fragrant Bajan spices.The market bursts with locally made treasures, each crafted with care and carrying the island’s real flavor-like the sweet scent of fresh guava jam.Looking for something heartfelt to give or keep?The Pelican Craft Centre offers shelves of one‑of‑a‑kind, handmade pieces that capture the vibrant colors and traditions of Barbados.Three.At the Pelican Craft Centre, visitors can chat with artisans, watch their hands shape bright clay or weave colorful threads, and discover the stories behind each piece they create.You might watch a woodcarver coax a bird from a pale piece of driftwood or hear the story woven into a hand-loomed Barbadian textile; at the market, learning comes alive, and the Centre stands as a vital keeper of the island’s art and craftsmanship.Many of the crafts you’ll find here hold rich cultural meaning, shaped by the island’s history, traditions, and old folktales-like a handwoven basket patterned after the waves that crash on its shore.Meeting the makers adds a warm, personal note-you might even spot paint still drying on a canvas.By shopping at the Pelican Craft Centre, you’re helping local artists thrive and giving a boost to Barbados’s economy.Many of the items for sale come from small workshops or the homes of local artisans, each piece helping to support the makers’ livelihoods.At the Pelican Craft Centre, shoppers can wander at an easy pace, breathing in the scent of polished wood and enjoying a calm, welcoming atmosphere.The market’s neatly laid out, with rows of colorful booths and small shops offering plenty to explore.With its open-air layout, the centre feels warm and welcoming-you can linger by a stall to chat with a vendor, run your fingers over a hand-carved bowl, and buy straight from the maker.It’s also the island’s cultural heart, a place to shop and to soak in its rich artistic traditions.Here, visitors can explore the history of Barbadian art, from the careful chip of a chisel in traditional carving to the bold strokes of island painting.The Centre stays quieter than the big tourist spots, so browsing feels personal and unhurried.Take your time wandering among the colorful stalls, chatting with artisans and admiring the intricate beadwork or hand-carved wood without ever feeling hurried.Just steps away, you can stand beneath the statues in National Heroes Square, stroll the postcard-perfect Careenage with its harbor views and café aromas, browse Broad Street’s mix of boutiques and duty-free shops, or pause inside the serene beauty of St. Michael’s Cathedral.Queen’s Park, with its shady lawns and occasional art shows, is also close by.For a quieter visit to the Pelican Craft Centre, aim for mornings or weekdays.Saturdays are usually packed, with both tourists and locals crowding the stalls.While a few vendors swipe cards, most expect cash-Barbadian dollars or US-so keep a handful of bills handy.Small neighborhood shops often like cash.Prices usually stay firm, though a friendly vendor might shave a few dollars off if you’re buying in bulk.Parking’s close by, but during the rush you might circle the block more than once.If you’re already wandering through Bridgetown’s busy streets, it’s usually simplest to walk to the centre, and the Pelican Craft Centre-filled with the scent of fresh wood carvings-is a must for anyone eager to experience Barbados’ vibrant cultural heritage.The Centre showcases a wide array of handcrafted goods, giving you a true feel for the island’s artistic traditions-you might spot a woven basket still smelling faintly of palm leaves-making it an ideal spot to pick up souvenirs, artwork, and local crafts.Whether you’re drawn to the stories behind each handmade piece, browsing at an easy pace with the scent of cedar in the air, or looking to back local artists, the Pelican Craft Centre remains at the heart of Bridgetown’s culture.
