Page 6 - AHATA

a8 local
Tuesday 3 June 2025

Create museum memories

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

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

ORANJESTAD - Aruba’s 2012, being the first and so inspired by the popular would not enjoy a ride on route is close to a 5-minute
City Center Street Car - far the only passenger rail battery-powered streetcar this beautiful and naturally walk to the famous Renais-
or as we call it in Dutch; service on Aruba and the operation at the Grove in air-conditioned vehicle? sance Marina showcasing
“Tram van Oranjestad’ - is rest of the Dutch Caribbe- Los Angeles, USA. Aruba’s The tour consists of a total luxurious yachts and Aru-
a single track tram line in an. There are two trolleys, streetcars are powered by of 9 stops approximate- ba’s blue waters.
Oranjestad, the capital a single-deck one with 42 hydrogen fuel cells, which ly 200 meters apart from
city of Aruba. It was inau- seats and a double-decker are charged by the island’s each other; all stops are The “Tram van Oranjestad”
gurated on 22 December with 64 seats. The line was year-round trade winds. clearly marked. The tram starts from a balloon loop
will bring you close to dif- near the Port of Call and
Caya Betico Croes, mostly ferent museums, historical serves the downtown area
referred to as our “main plazas, monuments, the and ends at Plaza Nicky.
street” has been devel- Protestant church, Aruba’s The first ride starts at 10:00
oped into a pollution-free high- end mall, retail shops, am sharp with intervals of
pedestrian mall. The dou- and a variety of local and 25minutes. The last trolley
ble-decker offers you a 360 international cuisine restau- departs from the cruise port
degree view of the down rants. at 5:00pm. Don’t miss this
town area with a picture The “I love Aruba” trade- tour of the beautiful Aru-
perfect scenery of the is- mark also belongs to that ba’s City Center– it is free
land’s clear blue skies. Who list. The third stop on the for all!q