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Museo Historico Aruba: A Glimpse into Aruban Heritage

Explore Aruba's captivating history at Museo Historico Aruba, housed in the island's oldest fort, with panoramic views from Willem III Tower.

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Housed within the walls of Fort Zoutman, Aruba's oldest building, the Museo Historico Aruba showcases the island's rich history from its indigenous roots to its colonial past. Climb the Willem III Tower for panoramic views of Oranjestad and immerse yourself in Aruban heritage.

A brief summary to Museo Historico Aruba

  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
  • Climb the Willem III Tower for panoramic views of Oranjestad, especially beautiful at sunset.
  • Consider visiting on Tuesday evenings for the Bon Bini Festival and extended hours.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Museo Historico Aruba is located in downtown Oranjestad, making it easily accessible on foot from many hotels, the cruise terminal, and shopping areas. From the cruise terminal or Royal Plaza Mall, walk west along L.G. Smith Boulevard, then turn left onto Zoutmanstraat. The museum will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    Arubus, the local bus service, has frequent service to Oranjestad from the hotel district and other parts of the island. The central bus station is located next to the cruise terminal. From there, follow the walking directions to the museum. A single Arubus fare is approximately $2.60 AWG, or $1.50 USD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Oranjestad. A short taxi ride from the hotel district to the museum will cost approximately $7-$10 USD. Taxis in Aruba do not have meters; fares are fixed based on destination. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Museo Historico Aruba

The Museo Historico Aruba, located in the heart of Oranjestad, offers a captivating journey through Aruba's history. The museum is housed in Fort Zoutman and the Willem III Tower, the oldest buildings on the island, dating back to 1798. These structures, protected monuments since 2011, stand as witnesses to Oranjestad's rich past. Inside Fort Zoutman, visitors can explore exhibits showcasing artifacts, photographs, and documents that reflect Aruba's cultural heritage from prehistoric times to the present day. The exhibits cover the island's evolution, from its indigenous roots to the colonial era. A highlight is the climb up the Willem III Tower, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Oranjestad, especially stunning at sunset. Every Tuesday evening, the Bon Bini Festival takes place on the fort grounds, offering a taste of traditional Aruban music, dance, and cuisine. The museum plays a vital role in preserving and presenting the island's history to both residents and visitors, with knowledgeable staff available to answer questions and provide insights.

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