The Treasury Building was built in 1894 and has been the gateway to the city of Basseterre to those visitors arriving by sea. This historic building housed ministries and departments of the government for over 100 years. In 1996, Dwyer Astqaphan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, proposed that the new National Museum be housed in the Treasury Building. The St. Christopher Heritage Society has taken on the lead role in establishing the National Museum. The museum is now open, though still undergoing construction. The museum has striking photographs and artifacts that shows the history and culture of the island. The entrance fee is 2 USD.