SUR: Fort Zeelandia

Waterside Straat, Paramaribo, Suriname
Tue-Fri: 9.00am - 2.00pm
Sun: 10.00am - 2.00pm

Located on the bank of Suriname River, the pentagonal fort of Paramaribo was originally built by the French in 1640 as a wooden structure. It was overtaken by the British who called it Fort Willoughby in 1650 before the Dutch conquered Paramaribo in 1667, subsequently renaming it to Fort Zeelandia.

Each of us paid paid SR$25.00 (~S$4.60) to enter the fort.

Can you see the name of the fort and the year 1667 above the gate?

Fort Zeelandia served as a prison at one point of time. Under the rule of Desi Bouterse, the controversial 8th president of Suriname, fifteen young men who criticised his military dictatorship were murdered at the fort in December 1982.

According to the Surinamese flag, unity of all ethnic groups is symbolised by a five-pointed star.

Is the structure in the middle of the courtyard supposed to be a sundial?

There's a café and a souvenir shop at the fort.

The museum was first established in 1967, but it was shut down by Desi Bouterse in 1982. It was re-established as a museum thirteen years later, offering a glimpse of history of the country.

Besides Fort Zeelandia there's also Fort Nieuw Amsterdam that was built from 1734 to 1747.

Many of the collections have descriptions written in Dutch only.

Suriname was formerly known as Dutch Guiana, a plantation colony of the Netherlands. It gained independence on 25 November 1975.

The coat of arms of Suriname features two natives carrying a shield.

Old KFC menu pamphlets!

What is that tarantula soft toy doing there?

Suriname is a melting pot of cultures. Besides the indigenous people and those of Dutch descent, there are locals of Chinese origin. 

Many Chinese Surinamese consider Guangdong as their ancestral home. 

I've only played mahjong on game consoles.

In addition, Javanese Surinamese have been around since the late 19th century when their predecessors were sent by the Dutch from the former Dutch East Indies.

Gamelan is a traditional music ensemble comprising bronze percussion instruments.

Diversity in ethnic groups has led to diversity in religious beliefs in the country.

There are some interesting illustrations of the tribal communities.

Of war and peace~

The last section of the museum that we went to showcases older artifacts.

Would you like to wear a ceremonial mask?

Grate your cassava using that tool!

Which is your favourite item?

Suriname is the smallest country in South America.

I don't have the aptitude for sewing.

Is that that an ape's face?

For a traditional pole, that looks quite colourful.

This particular wall art captured my attention.

Enjoy the view of the river from the upper part of the fort.

Have you had those moments of waking up feeling like being shot out of a cannon?

There are two free guided tour sessions run by a group of enthusiastic volunteers every Sunday at 10.30am and 12 noon.