National Archaeological Museum Aruba Travel Guide

Free Guide: Discover over 3,500 years of Aruban history and culture through fascinating artifacts and interactive exhibits in the heart of Oranjestad.

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A brief summary of National Archaeological Museum Aruba

Discover over 3,500 years of Aruban history and culture through fascinating artifacts and interactive exhibits in the heart of Oranjestad.

Delve into Aruba's rich heritage at the National Archaeological Museum, housed in a beautifully restored colonial-era complex in Oranjestad. Explore over 3,500 years of indigenous culture through fascinating artifacts, interactive exhibits, and recreations of early Aruban life.

4.5 Excellent · 231 Google reviews

Plan your visit

Opening hours

Mon9 am–5 pm
Tue9 am–5 pm
Wed9 am–5 pm
Thu9 am–5 pm
Fri9 am–5 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address: Schelpstraat 42, Oranjestad, Aruba
Phone

Getting there

Walking

The National Archaeological Museum Aruba is centrally located in downtown Oranjestad. From the cruise terminal or the central bus station (Arubus), it's a short walk. Head east from the bus station, then turn right onto Schelpstraat. The museum will be on your left.

Public Transport

Arubus, the local bus service, has a terminal in downtown Oranjestad, a short walk from the museum. Buses are a reliable and inexpensive way to get around Aruba. From the Arubus terminal, head east, then turn right onto Schelpstraat. The museum will be on your left. A retour card, good for two trips, costs US$5.00.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Oranjestad. Ask the driver for a fixed rate to Schelpstraat 42. Taxis in Aruba do not use meters; fares are fixed based on the destination. A short taxi ride within Oranjestad will likely cost a minimum of $7. Be aware that there is a $3 surcharge on Sundays, official holidays, and between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

Driving

From L.G. Smith Boulevard in Oranjestad, turn onto Caya Ernesto Petronia, then turn right onto Schelpstraat. The museum will be on your left. Paid parking is enforced in downtown Oranjestad from Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 7 PM. Parking is available in marked white spaces. Payment can be made with local or U.S. coins, or by credit card at certain machines. Hourly rates are approximately AWG 2 (US$1.14).

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Overview

The National Archaeological Museum Aruba (NAMA) invites visitors to explore over 3,500 years of the island's history, from 2500 BCE to the 19th century. Located in a beautifully restored complex in downtown Oranjestad, the museum showcases Aruba's Amerindian heritage and colonial past through a collection of over 10,000 artifacts.The museum's exhibits are spread over two levels and feature a range of displays, including ancient pottery, tools, bone fragments, and shell ornaments. Reconstructed environments, such as an Amerindian hut and a cave model with cave art, offer immersive insights into the lives of Aruba's early inhabitants. Exhibits also detail the early interactions between the indigenous people and European explorers and colonizers.Visitors can explore thematic experiences such as Home Life, Artistic and Sacred Expression, Origins and Exchanges, and the Past in the Present. The museum also serves as a hub for cultural events and workshops, offering unique opportunities to engage with Aruba's heritage. The museum's objective is to educate, motivate and inspire visitors to actively learn, preserve, and respect Aruba's heritage.

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