Dolphin House Museum
Introduction
The Dolphin House Museum, located in Alice Town on the island of Bimini in the Bahamas, is an extraordinary fusion of art, history, and personal expression. Nestled in this idyllic Caribbean setting, the museum serves as both the home and creative masterpiece of Sir Ashley B. Saunders. A visit to this remarkable site offers potential guests a unique opportunity to witness how one individual’s deep love for his heritage and surroundings can be transformed into a breathtaking living museum.
About the Museum
The Dolphin House Museum is the result of Sir Ashley B. Saunders’s forty-plus-year labour of love, beginning in 1993. Serving as his private residence as well as a museum, the structure is celebrated as one of Bimini’s most unique and artistic landmarks. It is a thick, sturdy concrete building, designed to endure the powerful storms that sweep through the region, while its surface is transformed into a kaleidoscope of art by the touch of its creator.
Every exterior and interior surface is covered in intricate mosaics crafted from found and recycled materials—shells, bottles, coins, colorful tile fragments, beach glass, stones, and more. The assemblage turns the entire residence into a “poem in stone,” reflecting Bimini’s history, marine life, and the artistry of Sir Saunders. Visitors are invited to explore this mosaic-covered marvel and learn not only about the building’s craftsmanship, but also about Bimini’s cultural heritage, as interpreted by a cherished local historian-artist.
The museum is also open for guided tours led by knowledgeable guides. Tours typically last approximately one hour and cost twenty United States dollars per person. Moreover, the Dolphin House doubles as a gift shop, where guests can purchase locally inspired items and souvenirs that reflect the themes and creativity of the museum.
Interesting Facts
- Built by hand over decades: Sir Ashley B. Saunders began constructing the Dolphin House Museum in 1993, and it remains both his home and an evolving work of art.
- Artistic mosaic design: The walls—inside and out—are adorned with mosaics made from shells, tiles, bottles, coins, beach glass, stones, and other found objects.
- Made to withstand hurricanes: The structure’s robust concrete construction was purposefully designed to endure the harsh weather conditions and hurricanes that Bimini can experience.
- Celebration of local history: The museum is a tribute to Bimini’s people, culture, and marine environment, lovingly created by a native Biminite who is also a respected historian, poet, and educator.
- Guided tours available: Visitors can join a guided one-hour tour for twenty United States dollars to gain a deeper understanding of both the artistry and the history encapsulated within the Dolphin House.
- Gift shop on site: In addition to the visual spectacle, visitors can purchase items such as t-shirts, tote bags, ebooks, and other souvenirs directly from the onsite museum store.
Photo Gallery
Physical Location
Contact Details
Phone: +15 10 326 8033
Website: historyofbimini.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/dolphinhouse242/#
Conclusion
The Dolphin House Museum in Alice Town, Bimini, is an inspiring destination that harmoniously blends art, history, and personal narrative. Created over more than thirty years by Sir Ashley B. Saunders, this mosaic-covered home stands as a vivid testament to his devotion to the island’s heritage and natural beauty. Visitors are not simply observers—they become part of a living story, guided through halls and walls that narrate the spirit of Bimini through glass, tile, shell, and stone.
Whether you are an art aficionado, history enthusiast, or curious traveler, the Dolphin House Museum offers a warm and enriching experience. From the guided tours that reveal the creative process and historical context, to the vibrant mosaics that stunningly reflect the soul of the island, every element invites exploration and appreciation. Do not miss the chance to visit this singular “poem in stone” and leave not only with photographs and souvenirs, but also with a deeper connection to the Bahamas and the lasting vision of one remarkable Biminite.
