Gerald Hart, a renowned Carnival costume designer, has opened the We Culture Museum in Maho Bay, St. Maarten, an 8,000-square-foot space dedicated to celebrating the vibrant traditions of Caribbean Carnival. Born into Carnival royalty—his parents, Lili and Edmund Hart, founded Harts Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago—Gerald Hart is one of the most prolific costume designers in the Caribbean, creating thousands of colorful costumes for Carnival celebrations across three continents.

We Culture is Hart’s most personal project, aiming to share his lifelong passion for Carnival and educate visitors about the cultural significance of the festival across different Caribbean islands. The museum features exhibits on how Carnival is celebrated in various countries, including Trinidad, Grenada, Barbados, and St. Maarten, and provides a deeper understanding of the history and diversity of the festival.

Hart’s vision for the museum is to not only preserve the spirit of Carnival but also to dispel common misconceptions. He pointed out that many people misunderstand the symbolism behind certain Carnival characters, such as the Jab Molassie, a horned figure painted in molasses. While some may view the Jab Molassie as a symbol of devil worship, Hart explained that it actually represents a historical protest against slavery. J’ouvert, the pre-dawn street party that kicks off Carnival, was originally a form of rebellion used by enslaved people to show defiance against their masters.

The We Culture Museum is an immersive experience, not just a static collection of artifacts. Visitors can explore a 70-year timeline of Carnival through photographs, try on Carnival costumes, and learn about iconic characters like the Jab Molassie and Pierrot Grenade, the supreme jester in Trinidadian Carnival lore. There are also interactive exhibits where visitors can play Carnival instruments and engage with the cultural stories behind the festival.

Hart, who has taught Carnival costume-making and the festival’s history in the past, said that it’s important to him to ensure that the knowledge and culture of Carnival are passed down to future generations. “The museum is how I share these stories that are such a big part of my life,” he said.

At the heart of the museum’s mission is the principle of community, which Hart believes is central to Carnival. “Carnival is more than just putting on a costume,” he explained. “It’s a way of life, a year-round celebration that involves creating costumes, attending parties, and enjoying live music like steel pan shows.” The museum reflects this sense of fellowship, highlighting that Carnival is not just about the events, but about the connections it fosters within the community.

Opening We Culture also fulfilled a personal dream for Hart. “My mom always wanted to open a Carnival museum,” he shared. “She passed away before it could happen, so opening the museum is a bucket list item for both of us.” Hart hopes to eventually incorporate live performances, such as music and dance, to further enhance the visitor experience. We Culture Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guided tours available. Through this new cultural landmark, Hart is sharing his deep love for Carnival while educating and connecting people to the Caribbean’s vibrant traditions.

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  St Maarten Carnival history