Arts & Culture in Aruba
Aruba’s culture comes alive in the spirited rhythms, art and dance that fill our streets, homes, galleries and hearts. Venture off Palm Beach to San Nicolas, Aruba’s “Sunrise City” – a charming coastal town home to galleries, colourful street art and the soul of our thriving art scene.
Or follow the spirited sounds of steel drums and calypso to our weekly Bon bini Festival. Around every corner you’ll find Arubans dancing, celebrating and happy to share our rich culture with you.
Fort Zoutman Historical Museum
This is a unique opportunity to visit the oldest remaining building in Oranjestad, built in 1796 for coastline protection. Once inside Fort Zoutman, you’re bound to feel the history seeping through the walls while enjoying the historic collection of documents and events from the past.
The Fort Zoutman Historical Museum is where many of our guests get their first exposure to Aruba’s past. Every Tuesday night everyone is invited to Fort Zoutman for our island’s welcoming party or as we call it, the Bon Bini Festival, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, celebrating the island’s culture and history.
The fort, named after Dutch Rear Admiral Johan Arnold Zoutman, who never stepped foot on Aruba but defeated the English in the North Sea, was completed in 1798 after a two-year construction process.
The Willem III Tower next to the fort, marking its original entrance, was built in 1868 and served as both a lighthouse and public clock tower. After 95 years, the light in the tower was extinguished in 1963.
Inside the courtyard, a replica-kitchen shows how cooking was done in Aruba’s days gone by.
The San Nicolas Community Museum
Step back in time and discover what life in the San Nicolas community looked like in years gone by. The new San Nicolas Community Museum is the latest addition to the museums in Aruba, opening in the second half of 2017. This museum is an invitation to explore deeper layers of Aruban culture.
The new Community Museum is located in the heart of San Nicolas town centre. This restored beauty is worth a visit in itself, with original flooring and wooden doors. A terrace on the second floor provides 360 degree views of the town.
The museum’s location just opposite the San Nicolas bus terminal is the national collection and will remain primarily an object-based exhibition. This exhibition was be ‘mined’ by ten artists in order to create ten installations housed at the new location, which draws our attention to specific authentic aspects of the San Nicolas Community.
