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LOCAL Tuesday 20 February 2024

Create museum memories

ORANJESTAD — Museums serving and honoring cul- ception. Our Island has a Archaeological Museum of the complex was delivered
are an integral part of con- tures, and Aruba is no ex- wide selection of various Aruba and the museum’s employ-
museums for our locals and The Archaeological Mu- ees moved to the new lo-
visitors to see. Take this op- seum of Aruba is located cation. The final design for
portunity to learn about our at Schelpstraat 42 in down- the exhibit was completed
island and experience a town Oranjestad. The reno- in November 2007 and
different day beyond the vated historic Ecury com- the permanent exhibit, fi-
beach. Let us introduce to plex in the area has been nanced by the Aruban
you these museums. transformed from a family Government and the Union
home to a modern museum of Cultural Organizations
Museum of Industry Aruba that preserves Aruba’s Am- (UNOCA), opened in July
The Museum of Industry is lo- erindian cultural heritage. 2009.
cated in San Nicolas—bet- This 21st century museum
ter known as the art capital is especially designed to At the new location, the
of Aruba. This museum ex- preserve valuable artifacts National Archaeological
hibits the industrial history of dating back to the Pre-Ce- Museum Aruba disposes of
gold, aloe, phosphate, oil ramic period of 2500 BC. approximately 500 m2 for
and tourism through elabo- its permanent exhibit. This
rated displays and multi- In the late 1980’s, AMA exhibit conveys information
media installations. identified its need for an on the origin and culture of
Aruba to me The Museum of Industry is collection and activities. island through archaeo-
adequate housing for its the first inhabitants of the
situated in the Water Tower After studying various op- logical objects and mod-
ORANJESTAD — You are back and we would like to portrait in San Nicolas and narrates tions, a project proposal ern exhibition techniques.
you! By inviting you to send us your favorite vacation pic- Aruba's industrial history, was drawn up, including The new permanent exhibit
ture while enjoying our Happy Island. which began in the 19th the acquisition and restora- gives the visitor an insight

Complete the sentence: Aruba to me is ……. Send your pic- century. The Water Tower tion of historical buildings in into the cultures that in-
was built in 1939 and con-
downtown Oranjestad.
habited the island in Pre-
ture with that text (including your name and where you are sists of three sections: the Historical and Early Histori-
from) to: news@arubatoday.com and we will publish your substructure, the high-rising These historical buildings cal times. The museum also
vacation memory. Isn’t that a special way to keep your best vertical shaft, and the tank were formerly the proper- hosts attractive public pro-
moments alive? at the top. The Water Tow- ty of the Ecury family. The grams, including lectures,
Please do note: By submitting photos, text or any other ma- er was purchased by the “Ecury Complex”, is a clus- educational projects, tem-
terials, you give permission to The Aruba Today Newspaper, Monuments Fund in 2003 so ter of single and two-story porary exhibits and work-
Caribbean Speed Printers and any of its affiliated compa- it can be restored and pre- historic buildings, mainly shops.
served as one of Aruba's Dutch colonial architec-
nies to use said materials, as well as names, likeness, etc. monuments. The Museum ture from the late 19th and The museum is open daily
for promotional purposes without compensation. Last but of Industry is part of Aruba 20th century on a plot of from 9:30 am till 4:30 pm.
not least: check out our website, Instagram and Facebook Museum Foundation (Fun- approximately 1.700 m2. For more information check
page! Thank you for supporting our free newspaper, we dacion Museo Aruban), out the Facebook page
strive to make you a happy reader every day again. which is a foundation set In 1997, the Aruban Govern- Museo Arqueologico Na-

For today we received a lovely message from Kyriakos, to maintain, preserve, and ment bought the complex cional Aruba.
Mary, Katerina and Angelo who’s visiting us from Kilworth, protect the Aruban cultural for the National Archaeo-
sector, history, and nature. logical Museum project.
Ontario, Canada. The museum of Industry is In 2004, a financial agree-
They wrote to us saying: “Aruba to us is place where time open daily from 9 am till 6 ment was signed with the
seems to stand still, allowing for moments of self-discovery. pm. European Development
It’s a canvas upon which we paint our dreams, that inspires Fund and in 2006, restora-
us to embrace life with open arms and hearts full of grati- For more information, tion and construction work
check out their Facebook began on the monumen-
tude. We love you Aruba!”
page Museum of Industry tal buildings and the soon-
Thank you for sending us this wonderful message sharing Aruba. to-be exhibition space. In
what Aruba means to you with us and our readers! December 2007, the key to