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local Wednesday 12 June 2024
Create museum memories

ORANJESTAD — Museums in San Nicolas and narrates check out their Facebook
are an integral part of con- Aruba's industrial history, page Museum of Industry
serving and honoring cul- which began in the 19th Aruba.
tures, and Aruba is no ex- century. The Water Tower
ception. Our Island has a was built in 1939 and con- Archaeological Museum
wide selection of various sists of three sections: the of Aruba
museums for our locals and substructure, the high-rising The Archaeological Mu-
visitors to see. Take this op- vertical shaft, and the tank seum of Aruba is located
portunity to learn about our at the top. The Water Tow- at Schelpstraat 42 in down-
island and experience a er was purchased by the town Oranjestad. The reno-
different day beyond the Monuments Fund in 2003 so vated historic Ecury com-
beach. Let us introduce to it can be restored and pre- plex in the area has been
you these museums. served as one of Aruba's transformed from a family 20th century on a plot of At the new location, the
monuments. The Museum home to a modern museum approximately 1.700 m2. National Archaeological
Museum of Industry Aruba of Industry is part of Aruba that preserves Aruba’s Am- Museum Aruba disposes of
The Museum of Industry is lo- Museum Foundation (Fun- erindian cultural heritage. In 1997, the Aruban Govern- approximately 500 m2 for
cated in San Nicolas—bet- dacion Museo Aruban), This 21st century museum ment bought the complex its permanent exhibit. This
ter known as the art capital which is a foundation set is especially designed to for the National Archaeo- exhibit conveys information
of Aruba. This museum ex- to maintain, preserve, and preserve valuable artifacts logical Museum project. on the origin and culture of
hibits the industrial history of protect the Aruban cultural dating back to the Pre-Ce- In 2004, a financial agree- the first inhabitants of the
gold, aloe, phosphate, oil sector, history, and nature. ramic period of 2500 BC. ment was signed with the island through archaeo-
and tourism through elabo- The museum of Industry is European Development logical objects and mod-
rated displays and multi- open daily from 9 am till 6 In the late 1980’s, AMA Fund and in 2006, restora- ern exhibition techniques.
media installations. pm. identified its need for an tion and construction work The new permanent exhibit
The Museum of Industry is adequate housing for its began on the monumen- gives the visitor an insight
situated in the Water Tower For more information, collection and activities. tal buildings and the soon- into the cultures that in-
After studying various op- to-be exhibition space. In habited the island in Pre-
tions, a project proposal December 2007, the key to Historical and Early Histori-
was drawn up, including the complex was delivered cal times. The museum also
the acquisition and restora- and the museum’s employ- hosts attractive public pro-
tion of historical buildings in ees moved to the new lo- grams, including lectures,
downtown Oranjestad. cation. The final design for educational projects, tem-
the exhibit was completed porary exhibits and work-
These historical buildings in November 2007 and shops.
were formerly the proper- the permanent exhibit, fi-
ty of the Ecury family. The nanced by the Aruban The museum is open daily
“Ecury Complex”, is a clus- Government and the Union from 9:30 am till 4:30 pm.
ter of single and two-story of Cultural Organizations For more information check
historic buildings, mainly (UNOCA), opened in July out the Facebook page
Dutch colonial architec- 2009. Museo Arqueologico Na-
ture from the late 19th and cional Aruba.q

Why You Should Not Miss Aruba’s Free City Center Street Car Tour

ORANJESTAD - Aruba’s City Center not enjoy a ride on this beautiful the beautiful Aruba’s City Center– it is free for all!q
Street Car - or as we call it in Dutch; and naturally air-conditioned ve-
“Tram van Oranjestad’ - is a single hicle? The tour consists of a total of
track tram line in Oranjestad, the 9 stops approximately 200 meters
capital city of Aruba. It was inaugu- apart from each other; all stops are
rated on 22 December 2012, being clearly marked. The tram will bring
the first and so far the only passen- you close to different museums,
ger rail service on Aruba and the historical plazas, monuments, the
rest of the Dutch Caribbean. There Protestant church, Aruba’s high-
are two trolleys, a single-deck one end mall, retail shops, and a vari-
with 42 seats and a double-decker ety of local and international cui-
with 64 seats. The line was inspired sine restaurants. The “I love Aruba”
by the popular battery-powered trademark also belongs to that list.
streetcar operation at the Grove in The third stop on the route is close
Los Angeles, USA. Aruba’s street- to a 5-minute walk to the famous
cars are powered by hydrogen fuel Renaissance Marina showcasing
cells, which are charged by the is- luxurious yachts and Aruba’s blue
land’s year-round trade winds. waters.

Caya Betico Croes, mostly re- The “Tram van Oranjestad” starts
ferred to as our “main street” has from a balloon loop near the Port
been developed into a pollution- of Call and serves the downtown
free pedestrian mall. The double- area and ends at Plaza Nicky. The
decker offers you a 360 degree first ride starts at 10:00 am sharp
view of the down town area with with intervals of 25minutes. The last
a picture perfect scenery of the is- trolley departs from the cruise port
land’s clear blue skies. Who would at 5:00pm. Don’t miss this tour of