"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."
Cool museum that goes into the history of Aruba’s people and land. It won’t take up your whole day. Maybe max 90 minutes or 2 hours. If you want to learn a bit more about Aruba, then do stop by.
Community
Google
This is a suggested donation museum. The displays are translated to English. There are many archaeological artifacts to see. My favourite part of the visit was the exhibit about Queen Hortense and the decibels. It just so happened that I watched the documentary about calypso music and Queen Hortense showed up. I was so pleased to meet her and we talked a bit about Trinidadian calypso. I can't wait to follow up on her music. Beautiful costumes and headpieces were also on display.
Jimmy Trieu
Google
Off the beaten path but worth the trek to understand the history of Aruba. Free admission but donations are always appreciated and help to keep the exhibit up to date.
Doug Duwenhoegger
Google
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.
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.
Lee Stat
Google
Cute little museum. Loved the hut, artifacts, history of the Aruba island and the cave with fake water.
Victoria Zummo
Google
Another must-do when visiting Aruba, to learn more about the history of the island from different perspectives, back to its roots to the melting pot of cultures it is now. Perfect for a 1h visit in the afternoon when the sun hits hard. The exhibition is modern, well maintained, and rich in information. Do yourself a favor and visit this museum to learn more on the history of Aruba!
Joshua Nasielski
Google
A small and beautifully done museum. Visited with our two little ones, one and 4 years old. Plenty to keep everyone occupied for 30 to 60 minutes. Educational too. Wheelchair and stroller friendly! This is really a hidden gem. There was only a couple of people. It's free, but a suggested donation of $5 USD per person is well worth it. Clean and modern.