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The Curaçao Museum, Scharloo Travel Guide

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Discover Curaçao's art, history, and culture at its oldest museum, housed in a beautifully preserved former military hospital.

Located in Willemstad, the Curaçao Museum, opened in 1948, is the island's oldest museum, showcasing art, cultural artifacts, and historical exhibits in a former military hospital dating back to 1853. The museum offers a glimpse into Curaçao's rich heritage, displaying collections from the 18th to the 21st centuries.

A brief summary to The Curaçao Museum

  • Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Curaçao Museum.

  • Explore the sculpture garden for a tranquil escape and to admire local artists' creations.
  • Check for temporary exhibitions to discover new artists and perspectives on Curaçaoan culture.
  • Visit during the week for a quieter experience, as weekends can be busier.
  • Consider a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the museum's collection and the history of Curaçao.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Queen Emma Bridge in Willemstad's city center, walk west through the Otrobanda district. Follow the main road, Roodeweg, and turn left onto Van Leeuwenhoekstraat. The museum will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. There are no tolls or special transport tickets needed.

  • Public Transport

    From the Otrobanda bus terminal in Willemstad, take a local bus that stops near the Curaçao Museum. Check local bus routes and schedules for the most convenient option. The bus fare is approximately 2 ANG (Antillean Guilder), which is roughly $1.12 USD. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the museum.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Willemstad, including near the cruise port and major hotels. A taxi ride from the cruise port to the Curaçao Museum is approximately $20-$25 USD, but confirm the fare before starting your journey. The ride is about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Discover more about The Curaçao Museum

The Curaçao Museum, or Museo di Kòrsou, is housed in a beautifully restored former military hospital built in 1853. Founded in 1946 by Dr. Chris Engels and Rudolf Boskaljon, the museum officially opened its doors on March 7, 1948, becoming the oldest museum on the island. The Curaçaoan community played a crucial role, raising 80,000 guilders to acquire the initial inventory.The museum's collection spans from the 18th to the 21st centuries, featuring paintings by local and international artists, Curaçaoan furniture, and historical objects. Highlights include the cockpit of the SNIP, KLM's first airplane to cross the Atlantic from the Netherlands to Curaçao, a traditional Curaçaoan kitchen, and a sculpture garden. The museum also showcases pre-Columbian artifacts and exhibits on post-slavery Afro-Curaçaoan professions.Visitors can explore the island's geological history, admire a stained-glass map of the Caribbean, and discover works by artists such as Suzanne Perlman, Jean Girigori, and Yubi Kirindongo. The museum organizes exhibitions of local and international artists, ensuring a unique experience with each visit. The building itself, with its interconnected units and galleries, is a monument.

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