Tour of Legends: Bob Marley's Former Residence at 56 Hope Road, Kingston, Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica has perhaps been undervalued in some regards by persons living abroad, thinking of coming to Jamaica, but instead lean towards the Northern coast attractions, that are so popular with many tourists. Not discounting what that experience provides most certainly, but within the expanse of Kingston, and its outskirts, there exists an array of activities that can fill any palette.

Kingston is vibrant; ranging from rich cultural events, to historical tours filled with vital information about much of this beautiful island’s heritage that Kingston is central to.

There is none other more symbolic as a stamp of Jamaica’s cultural export, than the music of Bob Marley.

Marley’s music has become the soundtrack of conscious awakening for people the world over with his easy reggae beats, but most importantly, his timeless lyrics that speak towards what I call "the state of the human condition." The relevance of what Bob sang, and spoke about before his untimely death in 1981, are still as focal today as they have ever been.

Hence it is on this backdrop, and perhaps too out of curiosity, why a tour of 56 Hope Road – Bob’s former residence and now the home of the Bob Marley Museum - is a requisite on visit to Kingston.

The tour takes on a certain reverence once you enter the grounds of the compound, realising that you are now standing on hallowed Jamaican ground where a Legend once walked and lived. A place where he made many of his musical creations that have left a striking mark upon humanity.

The effervescent Miss Susan Maxwell conducted the tour of the Museum.

The tour of Bob’s former residence has to be experienced with Susan. She delivers the tour with such an engaging presence, that there are no moments for mental distraction or drift. Such is her style, which she tells us is all natural, that visitors to the museum can only listen intently, and obey whatever instructions she may utter; whether it be to sing one of Bob’s tunes, or repeat after her that you are feeling nothing less than "irie."

The Marley home, which now serves as the Bob Marley Museum, was purchased by the Legend in 1975 from Island Records boss, Chris Blackwell. In 1986 according to the information shared on the tour, the widow of Bob, Rita Marley, created the Museum. CEO of the Museum is Bob and Rita’s eldest daughter, Cedella Marley. On May 31, 2001, the Government of Jamaica declared the museum a protected National Heritage Site.

Inside the property is a dream for all lovers of Bob. On the walls of what are termed as "International Rooms", there are photographs of the many phases of Bob’s journey towards being the icon that he is today. News clippings also of the Wailer’s Band members exist. One prominent news clipping was that of Bob playing to his biggest audience ever, in Italy, of over 150,000 persons.

In addition to this, the rooms within the compound are decorated with mounted displays of Bob’s Gold and Platinum selling albums. The Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, which Bob posthumously received in 2001, is also housed on the property. Bob’s Order of Merit medal from 1981; his Lion’s tail that he received as a gift on a tour of Africa; his calabash utensils, and mural paintings that were done by his artistic director, are all prominently featured on the tour.

Bob’s bedroom was perhaps the most spiritual part of the tour, as it is perfectly preserved with many of the items such as bed sheets, bed slippers, praying mats, Orthodox Bible and other items that were used by Bob during his time at the residence.

The area on the first floor of the home where an attempt on Bob’s life took place is furnished with news clippings, and also a video presentation that speaks of the shooting attempt on Bob’s life.

Even with this solemn moment of re-collection on the tour, it did not dampen the thrill of the occasion.

The Tour ends with a video in a purpose built cinema towards the back of the property, where a 20-minute documentary that features mainly Bob speaking, along with various shots from concerts around the world.

A tour of the Bob Marley Museum is however not complete without also conducting a joint tour of another aspect of Bob’s journey towards stardom; The Trench Town Culture Yard.

Donnette Howe is the lady who gives the guide on this tour. It is within Trench Town that Bob’s legend was given birth.

Bob’s former single room – which was actually also a tenement yard kitchen - that he lived in before stardom, was found still preserved in much of its original state.

As Donnette informed, many aspects of the Trench Town Culture Yard are kept in their original state so as to preserve the authenticity of the experience on the tour.

Inside the rooms of the Tenement Yard are information boards, pictures, clippings and other artefacts that speak not just to the early life of Bob Marley, but also to the many musical stars that have also come from within the Trench Town Culture Yard orientation.

For any visitor to Kingston, Jamaica, a tour of The Bob Marley Museum at 56 Hope Road, coupled with a tour of the Trench Town Culture Yard, are two aspects of the Capital City that cannot be ignored.

During the tours, the Spirit of the Legend can be felt as his life in images, music, word, and other physical expressions are shared, with the visitor experience, clearly at the helm of the focus.

Note: View pictures of both Museum and Trench Town Culture Yard by clicking here