Plantage Bakkie
About This Museum
Tucked away down a long, red-dirt road in the Commewijne District, Plantage Bakkie feels like stepping into a secret chapter of Suriname's history. This isn't your typical hushed museum; it's a living, breathing former sugar plantation where the stories seem to seep from the very soil. You can wander through the old manager's house, its rooms filled with artifacts that feel personal, not just displayed, and then step outside to see the remnants of the sugar mill being slowly reclaimed by the jungle. The sheer quiet out here is profound, broken only by the rustle of leaves and a deep sense of the past.
Collection Highlights
The most moving exhibits are the simple, powerful ones: heavy iron chains and tools used by the enslaved people who worked this land. Don't miss the collection of old bottles and ceramics found on-site, or the detailed maps that show how vast this plantation once was.
Visitor Information
You absolutely need to book a tour in advance – you can't just show up. The journey is part of the adventure; most people get here by taking a thrilling speedboat from Leonsberg across the river, followed by a short drive. Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the grounds.
Architecture & Building
The main building is a classic, white-wired wooden colonial structure raised on stilts, with a wide veranda that catches the river breeze—a design perfectly suited for the tropical climate.
