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Curaçao Maritime Museum: A Voyage Through History

Discover 500 years of Curaçao's maritime history in a beautifully restored building. Explore ship models, charts, and the island's seafaring legacy.

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Explore over 500 years of Curaçao's maritime history at the Curaçao Maritime Museum, housed in a beautifully restored 1729 building in Willemstad. Discover nautical charts, ship models, and navigation equipment while learning about the island's seafaring past and its impact on the region.

A brief summary to Curacao Maritime History Museum / A treasure chest full of history

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for special events, temporary exhibits, and harbor tour schedules.
  • Combine your museum visit with a walk through the historic Scharloo district, known for its colorful buildings.
  • Consider taking the harbor tour for a different perspective on Willemstad's maritime history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Curaçao Maritime Museum is located in the Scharloo district of Willemstad, a short walk from the Queen Emma Bridge and the city center. From the bridge, walk east along the Handelskade, then turn left onto N. van Den Brandhofstraat. The museum will be on your left. Walking from the city center is free.

  • Public Transport

    Public buses operate throughout Willemstad, with main terminals in Punda and Otrobanda. From either terminal, take a bus that stops near the city center and walk to the museum as described above. A single bus fare costs approximately 1.75 ANG (0.98 USD).

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Willemstad. A short taxi ride from the cruise terminal or a major hotel to the museum will typically cost between 25-30 ANG (14-17 USD). Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Curacao Maritime History Museum / A treasure chest full of history

The Curaçao Maritime Museum offers a captivating journey through more than 500 years of the island's rich maritime history. Housed in a beautifully restored monumental building dating back to 1729, located in the Scharloo neighborhood of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the museum seamlessly blends age-old maritime traditions with modern design, creating an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Spread across three floors, the museum's exhibits showcase the pivotal role the sea has played in shaping Curaçao's identity and development. From its strategic location and natural deep-water harbor, Curaçao emerged as a major seafaring and commercial center early in its history, a legacy that continues to influence the island's community today. The museum's main exhibition presents a comprehensive overview of Curaçao's maritime past. Authentic nautical charts, meticulously crafted ship models, and historical navigation equipment are combined with audiovisual presentations to bring the island's seafaring stories to life. Visitors will discover the routes of the first settlers, the arrival of Christopher Columbus, and Curaçao's subsequent control by the Spanish and the Dutch. The second floor delves into the development of the harbor, including the iconic Queen Emma Bridge, also known as the floating bridge, opened in 1888. Exhibits also explore the impact of piracy and privateering in the region, as well as the somber history of the African slave trade. A highlight of the museum is the remarkable model of the Curaçao oil refinery, crafted by a former Shell employee, offering insights into the refinery's operations and its historical significance to the island's economy. On the top floor, visitors can explore the modern exhibition dedicated to the Dutch Navy and its role in the region. Beyond the exhibits, the Curaçao Maritime Museum offers a range of engaging activities, including harbor tours on an original harbor ferry, providing a unique perspective of Willemstad from the water.

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