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Museum Kurá Hulanda: A Journey Through History

Explore the poignant history of the transatlantic slave trade and African heritage at this impactful museum in Willemstad's historic Otrobanda district.

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Located in Willemstad's Otrobanda district, Museum Kurá Hulanda offers a powerful and comprehensive exploration of the transatlantic slave trade and its impact. Housed in restored historic buildings, the museum presents a poignant narrative of African history and the cultural heritage of the Caribbean.

A brief summary to Museum Kura Hulanda

Local tips

  • Allocate at least 3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collection and exhibits.
  • Consider taking a guided tour in Dutch or English for deeper insights and historical context.
  • Check the museum's operating hours, as it is closed on official holidays.
  • The museum shop offers a variety of items, including postcards, African art, and books.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Museum Kurá Hulanda is located in the Otrobanda district of Willemstad, a short walk from the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. From the Punda side, cross the bridge and turn left onto Breedestraat. Continue straight, then turn right onto Klipstraat. The museum will be on your left. Walking from the bridge takes approximately 5-10 minutes. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The ABC bus company operates public transportation in Curaçao. From the main bus station in Punda, take bus 4B to Otrobanda. Get off at the bus stop near the Otrobanda Viaduct, which is a short walk to the museum. Museum Kurá Hulanda will be approximately 5 minutes away. A single bus fare is ANG 1.70. Please have exact change.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Willemstad. A taxi from Punda to Museum Kurá Hulanda in Otrobanda will cost approximately ANG 25-30. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Tipping is expected (about 10 percent).

  • Driving

    If driving, paid parking is available in Otrobanda. Parking costs 1 Cg per hour from Monday to Saturday, between 8 AM and 6 PM. You can pay at parking meters using coins or the Flowbird app. Some free parking is available near the movies. From Punda, cross the Queen Juliana Bridge and follow the signs to Otrobanda. Continue straight, then turn right onto Klipstraat. The museum will be on your left.

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Discover more about Museum Kura Hulanda

Museum Kurá Hulanda, situated in the heart of Willemstad, Curaçao, is an anthropological museum dedicated to chronicling the history of the transatlantic slave trade and its profound impact on Curaçao and the wider Caribbean. Founded in 1999 by Dutch entrepreneur Jacob Gelt Dekker, the museum is located on the site of a former slave trading post in the historic Otrobanda district. The museum comprises 15 buildings covering 16,000 square feet, each meticulously restored to its original condition. The exhibits trace the journey of enslaved Africans, from their capture in Africa to their forced relocation in the Americas. Visitors will encounter artifacts from continental Africa, learn about West African empires, and gain insight into the lives of those enslaved on Curaçao's plantations. The museum also highlights the resistance of the enslaved people and their struggle for freedom, culminating in the abolition of slavery in 1863. Kurá Hulanda doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of slavery, offering a confrontational yet deeply moving overview of this dark chapter in history. The museum also showcases the enduring influence of African culture on Curaçaoan and Caribbean societies. Beyond the slave trade, the museum has expanded its focus to include other non-Western cultures, with exhibits on Mesopotamian relics, pre-Columbian gold from Colombia, and Maroon cultures of Suriname. A visit to Museum Kurá Hulanda is an unmissable experience for those seeking to understand Curaçao's complex past and the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.

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