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ABOUT ATTRACTION
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Address:
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Phone:
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588-5199
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Museo Historico Arubano (Aruba Historical Museum) is aptly located in the center of town in Fort Zoutman, Aruba’s oldest building dating back to 1798. With a good view of the sea and four canon, the fort once offered security and provided protection from pirates. It also housed government offices from 1816 – 1911. The name was chosen by Governor Lauffer to honor the Dutch Rear Admiral Johan Arnold Zoutman, involved in one of the Dutch/English wars of that time. A tower was added in 1868, containing the first public clock of Oranjestad. It also served as a lighthouse as it had a spire with a petrol lamp first lit on King Willem III’s birthday in 1869 and thus bearing his name. Over the years, the fort came to lose its significance as a means of protection as Oranjestad evolved into the capital city and the seat of local government.
Since March 10, 1992, the Aruba Historical Museum has been operated by the Fundacion Museo Arubano. On September 25, 2003, a new historical exhibition was inaugurated by Olindo Koolman, ex-Governor of Aruba, as part of an effort to create a close link with the educational system. Donations from citizens are of significant importance, such as the special private collection of historical documents of Richard Beaujon. The exhibit gives an impression of the history and development of Aruba up to the 1920’s when the Lago Oil Refinery opened in Aruba.
The museum is open from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday, and after hours on weekends upon special request from groups. Ongoing activities include group visits to the museum with explanation by multi-lingual museum guides; rental of the patio for celebration of special occasions; and the Legacy Tour for groups, a walking tour through the city of Oranjestad highlighting monuments and other museums. The museum also hosts the Bonbini Festival, a folkloric event that takes place every Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm.
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