For Gerald Hart, Carnival has always been more than an annual festival; it’s a way of life. Born into a family synonymous with Carnival royalty in Trinidad and Tobago, Hart’s passion for the celebration is deeply rooted in his upbringing. His parents, Lili and Edmund Hart, founded Harts Carnival, one of Trinidad’s pioneering Carnival bands. From designing stunning costumes to creating awe-inspiring displays, Hart’s career has been dedicated to capturing the essence of Carnival.
Now, he has brought that passion to St. Maarten with We Culture, an 8,000-square-foot museum dedicated to the vibrant history and traditions of Carnival. Located in Maho Bay, the museum celebrates not just the festival itself but the sense of unity and joy that comes with it.
Carnival in the Caribbean is a tapestry of cultural expressions that vary from island to island. While Trinidad is often regarded as the birthplace of Caribbean Carnival, islands like Grenada, Barbados, and St. Maarten have developed their own unique traditions. At We Culture, visitors can explore these differences through interactive exhibits that transport them into the heart of the festival.
“Carnival felt like Christmas morning as a kid,” Hart shared. “It brought the island together in laughter, joy, and community. That’s the spirit I wanted to capture in this museum.”
Hart’s vision goes beyond entertainment; it’s also about education. Many visitors to Carnival celebrations may not understand their historical significance. For example, J’ouvert, a pre-dawn street party, has deep roots in resistance and rebellion.
“J’ouvert was a way for the enslaved to protest against their masters and remind them of the consequences of their cruelty,” Hart explained. Characters like the Jab Molassie, or Molasses Devil, were symbols of defiance, not devil worship as some mistakenly believe.
We Culture is more than a museum it’s an invitation to live Carnival. The space is divided into thematic rooms, each offering a different facet of the festival. One room features a 70-year timeline of Carnival, showcasing photographs and stories of its evolution. Another allows visitors to play instruments and learn about iconic Carnival characters such as the flamboyant Pierrot Grenade, known as the supreme jester in Trinidadian lore.
At the end of the tour, visitors can don elaborate headpieces and wings, experiencing firsthand the transformative power of Carnival costumes.
Hart’s passion for preserving Carnival’s history shines through every aspect of the museum. “In Trinidad, I taught people how to make costumes and shared the stories behind them,” he said. “This museum is my way of ensuring these traditions don’t fade away.”
The creation of We Culture is as much a personal milestone for Hart as it is a tribute to his family. “Opening the museum was one of my mom’s dreams,” Hart revealed. “She wanted a Carnival museum but passed away before it could happen. Fulfilling that dream was a shared goal for both of us.”
While the museum is already a vibrant hub for culture and history, Hart has plans to expand its offerings. He envisions hosting live performances, including musicians and dancers, to further immerse visitors in the Carnival experience.
We Culture is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours provide an in-depth look at the exhibits and allow visitors to connect with the stories behind Carnival’s traditions.
For Gerald Hart, We Culture is more than a museum it’s a celebration of fellowship, creativity, and the enduring spirit of Carnival. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the festival or new to its magic, a visit to this museum promises to leave you inspired by the vibrant culture of the Caribbean.
