Museo Historico Aruba: A Glimpse into Aruban Heritage
Explore Aruba's captivating history at Museo Historico, nestled in the island's oldest fort, showcasing artifacts from its diverse past.
The Museo Historico Aruba, situated in the heart of Oranjestad within the walls of Fort Zoutman and the Willem III Tower, offers visitors a captivating journey through Aruba's rich history. Built in 1798, the fort itself is the oldest building on the island, providing an authentic backdrop to explore exhibits from ancient Amerindian artifacts to the island's colonial past.
A brief summary to Museo Historico Aruba
- GX97+4P3, Zoutmanstraat, Oranjestad, Oranjestad-West, AW
- +2975885199
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience and more personalized attention from the museum staff.
- Check the museum's schedule for special exhibitions or cultural events that may coincide with your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the fort has stairs and uneven surfaces.
- Climb the Willem III Tower for stunning 360-degree views of Oranjestad, especially beautiful at sunset.
Getting There
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Walking
From the central Oranjestad area, Museo Historico Aruba is easily accessible on foot. Head towards the coast and look for the distinctive Willem III Tower. The museum is located at Zoutmanstraat, a short walk from the main streets and the cruise terminal. Walking allows you to explore the charming streets of Oranjestad and admire the colorful architecture along the way.
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Public Transport
Arubus, the local bus service, provides a convenient and affordable way to reach Museo Historico Aruba. From the hotel district or other parts of the island, take the Arubus to the central bus station in Oranjestad, which is located adjacent to the cruise terminal. From there, it's a short walk to the museum on Zoutmanstraat. A single bus fare costs $2.60 (4.50 AWG). Buses run frequently between 5:45 AM and 11:30 PM.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Oranjestad and offer a quick and reliable way to reach Museo Historico Aruba. You can find taxi stands outside major hotels, the cruise terminal, and along the main shopping streets. A taxi ride from the hotel district to the museum typically costs between $7 and $15, depending on the distance and traffic. Note that there is a $3 surcharge on Sundays, official holidays, and between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
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