Like the Haitian spirit, the most distinctive art here comes from a dry and rough material, which is iron art. The Haitian people have skillfully combined the strong and sturdy iron bars with flexible artistic creativity to create the most impressive works.
Haitian iron products achieve sophistication and durability for outdoor decoration. Haitian iron art is harmoniously combined in interior and garden decoration; and is very popular in luxury restaurants and hotels. In addition, from children's toys to daily necessities in Haiti can also be made of iron with a variety of colors and designs.
The perfect place to admire Haiti's metal architecture and iron art is the Iron Market, sometimes called the Hyppolite Market by locals because former President Florvil Hypolite bought this metal structure from France. The Iron Market was built in the 1890s and was completely destroyed by the largest earthquake in Haiti's history in 2010. However, in 2011, the Iron Market was rebuilt at a cost of 18 million dollars. Today, the Iron Market is considered a national heritage of Haiti.
The market consists of two large halls with arches and iron frames, each covering 2,000 square meters. It is connected by an iron gate with four arched towers and a clock mounted on the gate facade. The entire structure is painted red with striking green accents.
This is probably the most crowded place in the country of Haiti. Coming to the Iron Market, you must be prepared not to be shy or too “polite”, otherwise you will be overwhelmed by the crowds, the goods and the haggling. At the Iron Market, everything you want to see in Haiti will be here, from handicrafts to spices and food.
Take your time, look around carefully and bargain with the vendors, you will embark on a hunt for goods in the most fun and crazy atmosphere. Of course, the Iron Market is not entirely suitable for those who do not like hustle and bustle and crowds.
