Curaçao Museums – Our Top 5 for Inquisitive Vacationers

While the Caribbean island is particularly known for its breathtaking beaches, beautiful nature, and admirable biodiversity, it also offers an excellent selection for culture-interested vacationers. In our article, we introduce you to the five most famous Curaçao museums,  helping you to get an overview of which museum best matches your personal interests.

The Kurá Hulanda Museum is located right at the port of Willemstad and is dedicated to the grim past of Curaçao. Starting with the abduction of people in Africa, the focus of the museum is especially on the transatlantic slave trade that occurred between the 17th and 19th centuries.

At the same time, you will learn about the influence of African culture on the people of Curaçao to this day. The multitude of artifacts, documents, and other historical exhibits allows you to dive deeper into history. To help you navigate the large museum quickly, you will receive a detailed map at the entrance.

If interested, you can also participate in one of the numerous guided tours offered in four different languages: Papiamentu, Dutch, English, and Spanish.

Opening hours:

The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On Sundays, you can visit the museum from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Admission prices:

The admission price for the museum is ANG 17.90, which is about $9.95. For an additional fee of ANG 5.40, which is about $3.00, you can book a guide to lead you through the museum.

Located near the harbor, the Maritime Museum Curaçao is particularly recommended for all history enthusiasts who are also passionate about seafaring.

More than 500 years ago, the port of Curaçao was an important trading center for seafarers. The maritime industry has significantly influenced the island’s history. In the permanent exhibition, visitors receive crucial information about the development of seafaring, from the earliest explorations in the Middle Ages to the boom of cruise tourism in the 20th century.

You have the opportunity to admire ancient sea charts and various ship models. In an additional interactive exhibition equipped with audiovisual stations, you receive exciting information about the significance of the Dutch Navy.

Opening hours:

The museum is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. On days when a cruise ship docks at the harbor, the Maritime Museum Curaçao is also open.

Admission prices:

Adults pay ANG 17.50, which is approximately $9.70. Children aged 6 to 17 years have an admission price of ANG 12.50, which is about $6.95. Children under 6 years do not need to pay for entry.

Located in the heart of Willemstad, in the west of the Otrobanda district, you will find the cultural and art-historical Curaçao Museum. It was opened in 1948 and is therefore the oldest still-operating museum on the Caribbean island.

The museum, housed in a former colonial-style military hospital, displays historical furniture, antique artifacts, and impressive sculptures.

Additionally, you will gain insight into the traditional cuisine and rare plants of Curaçao. The Curaçao Museum also regularly hosts art exhibitions featuring local and international artists.

Opening hours:

The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. On Saturdays, you can visit the museum from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Curaçao Museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Admission prices:

Adults and children aged 13 and up pay ANG 9.90, which is approximately $10.75. For children aged 6 to 12, the admission price is ANG 5.40, about $5.85. Entry for children under 6 years is free.

In the Jewish Cultural Historical Museum, you can see exhibits dating back to 1634, associated with the arrival of the first Jewish settlers on Curaçao.

The museum also provides insight into the cultural, social, and economic influences that the Jewish community has had from the past to the present. Additionally, the museum’s collection includes numerous items on loan from the neighboring Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, which are still used in the synagogue’s services today.

All exhibit texts are in English. Some translations into Papiamentu and Dutch are also available. To fully appreciate all the exhibits, we recommend spending about 1.5 hours in the museum. However, at least 30 minutes should be planned for your visit if you are under time constraints.

Opening hours:

The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Jewish Cultural Historical Museum is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Admission prices:

Admission costs ANG 18.00, which is approximately $19.60. The ticket price includes access to both the museum and the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue.

If you are vacationing with children, the Children’s Museum Curaçao is definitely worth a visit. In this child-friendly museum, there are a total of 17 interactive exhibits available for your children to explore independently.

The Children’s Museum Curaçao offers an excellent opportunity for curious young visitors to playfully discover new things. With various stations on topics such as art, language, mathematics, technology, culture, and science, the offerings are sure to meet the interests of your little explorers.

Opening hours:

The Children’s Museum Curaçao is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Sundays, you can visit the museum from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Admission prices:

Both children and adults pay an admission fee of ANG 12.50, which is about $13.60. Admission for babies under one year is free.

As you can see, Curaçao offers a comprehensive cultural selection. Whether you are interested in the island’s history, religious backgrounds, or seafaring, you will surely find a suitable museum for your personal area of interest. The Children’s Museum also provides families with children plenty of opportunities.