National Archaeological Museum Aruba

Archaeological museum · Oranjestad

National Archaeological Museum Aruba

Archaeological museum · Oranjestad

Schelpstraat 42, Oranjestad, Aruba

Highlights

This charming museum, nestled in a Dutch Colonial complex, offers a cool escape to explore 5,000 years of Amerindian culture through engaging exhibits and bilingual information.

Schelpstraat 42, Oranjestad, Aruba Get directions

manaruba.org

@museonacionalaruba

@afar

"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."

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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.

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.

Rose

Google

I really enjoyed visiting this museum, the exhibits were clearly explained and in many languages. The history of the Island was well documented. The staff were very attentive to the visitors and kept everything clean and cool. The washrooms were greatly appreciated. There is no admission cost but we were happy to make a donation.

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.

goodkine

Google

Amazing architecture... just look at these buildings... A highlight (pictured) is an old seafaring canoe... many similarities to Hawaii with regard to cultural sea exploration... It seems there are highlighted destinations within Aruba that are adorned with an impressive form of guerilla marketing displaying art via large blue horses.. here at the museum, you'll find one of those majestic crafted pieces as well...

Steve R.

Google

Great historical explanation of the baby phases and people's of the island of Aruba. Informative and engaging displays, including for youth. Some video presentations. A picturesque courtyard and balcony complement the three-floor exhibition space.

Ilona Chodnicka

Google

Paid parking 3 min walk away ($3.5 for 3 hours). Museum is free, be nice, and leave a donation. It's air conditioned, galleries are described in English, it has free toilets. It takes about an hour to visit.

Marek Marecki

Google

I can to late so couldn’t visit. nevertheless, there were museum staff sitting inside with a family who told me, I can see. Inside and she invited me to stay the next day. It felt very nice.

@afar

The Best Things to Do in Aruba

View Postcard for National Archaeological Museum Aruba

Durga Kale

Google

Shaun Burnum

Google

Rose

Google

patty hedges

Google

goodkine

Google

Steve R.

Google

Ilona Chodnicka

Google

Marek Marecki

Google

I can to late so couldn’t visit. nevertheless, there were museum staff sitting inside with a family who told me, I can see. Inside and she invited me to stay the next day. It felt very nice.