The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Museum has announced it will close its physical location at the Penny Bank building in Port of Spain, citing a lack of government and corporate support.
In a statement issued on 30 September, the museum said it would close its doors to the public from 1 October until further notice.
Founded in 2021 as an NGO, the museum was established to preserve and showcase Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival heritage. During its operation, it hosted seven exhibitions, welcomed more than 20 school tours and attracted over 4,000 visitors.
“The last year and a half have been extremely difficult in getting Government or Corporate support for this national treasure,” the organisation said.
The museum noted that renovation work at the Penny Bank building had reached approximately 80 per cent completion and credited volunteers, donors and supporters for helping to keep the project running.
Despite the closure of the physical venue, the museum said its online activities will continue through its website ttcarnivalmuseum.com and social media platforms.
Kenny Attai, Director and Chairman of the TTCM Steering Committee, thanked supporters who helped create what was intended to be the first phase of a full-scale carnival museum and expressed hope that Trinidad and Tobago would continue to recognise and preserve its carnival legacy.
