Page 8 - AHATA

Friday 3 January 2025 locAl
A10

Blackstone Beach

(Oranjestad)—Named after visit the Blackstone Beach.
its most recognizable fea-
ture, the Blackstone Beach Blackstone Beach shows the
almost represents the op- more natural side of Aruba:
posite of the typical Aru- the stones that cover the
ban beaches. For one, it has beaches and the shape of is relatively easy to access. This beach forms part of the current is very strong and
black sand and is covered it has been crafted for thou- Once you get passed the Arikok National Park and is can easily stray you further
in black smooth stones. Sec- sand years via volcanic erup- Ayo Rock Formation, take therefore a site that is pre- in the wild ocean. However,
ondly, it lies on the northern tions, coral reef movements the Andicuri road leading up served. This is why it is also you can still enjoy a spec-
side of the island, away from and wave activity of the rural to Andicuri Beach. There, you relatively untouched by tacular view of the stones
the white sandy beaches of northern part of the island. can park your car and take a commercial influences. De- and the northern ocean that
in the southern region. So, if Located further east to the 1km hike towards Blackstone spite being called a beach, stretches out in front of the
you feel up for something dif- Natural Bridge and Andicuri Beach. do note that it is not advised beach and take a picture
ferent—or if it’s opposite day, Beach, the Blackstone Beach to swim in the water, as the with your friends or family!q

Create museum memories

ORANJESTAD — Museums are in San Nicolas and narrates Museum of Industry Aruba.
an integral part of conserving Aruba's industrial history,
and honoring cultures, and which began in the 19th Archaeological Museum of
Aruba is no exception. Our century. The Water Tower Aruba
Island has a wide selection was built in 1939 and con- The Archaeological Muse-
of various museums for our sists of three sections: the um of Aruba is located at
locals and visitors to see. substructure, the high-rising Schelpstraat 42 in downtown
Take this opportunity to learn vertical shaft, and the tank Oranjestad. The renovated
about our island and experi- at the top. The Water Tow- historic Ecury complex in the
ence a different day beyond er was purchased by the area has been transformed
the beach. Let us introduce Monuments Fund in 2003 so from a family home to a
to you these museums. it can be restored and pre- modern museum that pre-
served as one of Aruba's serves Aruba’s Amerindian
Museum of Industry Aruba monuments. The Museum cultural heritage. This 21st 1.700 m2. National Archaeological
The Museum of Industry is lo- of Industry is part of Aruba century museum is especially Museum Aruba disposes of
cated in San Nicolas—better Museum Foundation (Funda- designed to preserve valu- In 1997, the Aruban Govern- approximately 500 m2 for its
known as the art capital of cion Museo Aruban), which able artifacts dating back ment bought the complex permanent exhibit. This ex-
Aruba. This museum exhibits is a foundation set to main- to the Pre-Ceramic period for the National Archaeologi- hibit conveys information on
the industrial history of gold, tain, preserve, and protect of 2500 BC. cal Museum project. In 2004, the origin and culture of the
aloe, phosphate, oil and the Aruban cultural sector, a financial agreement was first inhabitants of the island
tourism through elaborated history, and nature. The mu- In the late 1980’s, AMA signed with the European De- through archaeological ob-
displays and multimedia in- seum of Industry is open daily identified its need for an velopment Fund and in 2006, jects and modern exhibition
stallations. from 9 am till 6 pm. adequate housing for its col- restoration and construction techniques. The new perma-
The Museum of Industry is For more information, check lection and activities. After work began on the monu- nent exhibit gives the visitor
situated in the Water Tower out their Facebook page studying various options, a mental buildings and the an insight into the cultures
project proposal was drawn soon-to-be exhibition space. that inhabited the island in
up, including the acquisition In December 2007, the key to Pre-Historical and Early His-
and restoration of historical the complex was delivered torical times. The museum
buildings in downtown Oran- and the museum’s employ- also hosts attractive public
jestad. ees moved to the new lo- programs, including lectures,
cation. The final design for educational projects, tem-
These historical buildings the exhibit was completed in porary exhibits and work-
were formerly the property of November 2007 and the per- shops.
the Ecury family. The “Ecury manent exhibit, financed by
Complex”, is a cluster of the Aruban Government and The museum is open daily
single and two-story historic the Union of Cultural Orga- from 9:30 am till 4:30 pm. For
buildings, mainly Dutch co- nizations (UNOCA), opened more information check out
lonial architecture from the in July 2009. the Facebook page Museo
late 19th and 20th century Arqueologico Nacional
on a plot of approximately At the new location, the Aruba.q