"Located in a former mansion, this interactive museum is full of ancient artifacts. Culled from three distinct periods of indigenous history, the collection includes more than 10,000 pieces from Pre-Ceramic (2500 B.C.E.–1000 C.E.), Ceramic (900–1515), and History Cultural (1515–1880) times. Visitors will find shell and stone tools, decorative items, and food vessels, along with vestiges of Aruba’s gold rush. Of particular note is a limestone family burial cave, which, at 4,000 years old, is one of the most ancient pieces in the museum. With its Dutch Colonial architectural details, the building itself is also worth admiring. Note: The museum is closed on Mondays."
The museum has a nice history of the island of Aruba and its context to the colonization of the western hemisphere. Lots of interactive displays and artifacts.
$5 suggested donation entry fee
There is an elevator to access the upper floor.
Lee Stat
Google
Cute little museum. Loved the hut, artifacts, history of the Aruba island and the cave with fake water.
Aaron Colina
Google
Very informative and interesting history. We went around 3pm on a weekday and we had most of the place to ourselves. People starting flowing in an hour or so later. Entrance is donation based.
Robert Botto
Google
Totally free and donation only based. For being free had really high quality information and presentation. Spent more time than expected. Had both Spanish and English translations which was nice. Also had different ways of enjoying the content from audio educational listen backs and also TVs with pre recorded information. Very much so go at your own pace.
Shaun Burnum
Google
Great place with some interesting exhibits. It’s a nice quick history of the island. The whole takes about a hour. It’s only a couple blocks from some of the tourist shop area. It’s a “free” museum, but they encourage a $5/person donation.
Durga Kale
Google
Good overview of the island's archaeology!
Entry by donation. Suggested amount $5 per person.
Interactive elements are great, and I appreciate the bilingual signage/information plaques at the museum.
A few modern installations need some context.
Worth visiting for the exhibition of the preceramic period material culture.
Diane Rock
Google
What a great historical museum about Arubans and how the economy and culture has evolved. Plan on an hour visit and stop off at a local eatery for a fun afternoon. Employees at the museum are very kind and I highly recommend the visit if history interests you!
patty hedges
Google
Had a little bit of time before catching our flight so jumped in to check out museum. Nice opportunity to learn some of the history of the island and view various artifacts. A break from the heat in a well air conditioned environment was a nice addition 😉 Free but donations appreciated.