Aruba is known for its pristine white beaches and the laid-back attitude of its citizens. You could of course spend your day relaxing and sunbathing, but the island offers a great selection of museums that offer some insight into Aruban history and culture.
So, if you want to take some time off from the beach dwelling and head indoors for a while, be sure to check out some of the following museums:
These days, Aruba’s economy mostly relies on tourism, but before cruise ships began docking at the island, it was a major grower and exporter of aloe vera plants and products. On weekdays and Saturdays, you can embark on a guided tour or explore independently. A short audiovisual presentation will help you learn more about the domestication of the aloe plant. While touring the factory facilities, you’ll see the cutting room, testing lab, filling room and packaging and storage facilities.
Museum of Antiquities
If you enjoy looking at one-of-a-kind finds and unique treasures, you may end up spending all of your time in Aruba at the Museum of Antiquities. The museum’s building itself has its own charm, as it was constructed with 17th-century materials.
As you step inside, you’ll see an amazing collection of hand-made items like carved furniture, jewelry and culinary tools If you happen to be on the island on the first Sunday of the month, be sure to check out the flea market hosted by the museum where locals sell their goods.
National Archeological Museum of Aruba (AMA)
The history of Aruba begins long before the first European settlers arrived. At AMA, you’ll see artifacts that once belonged to the island’s earliest inhabitants, dating back to 2500 BC. The museum is housed in a 19th-century mansion that was once owned by Aruba’s most prominent families.
Within the AMA, you will find exhibits on the three major habitation periods of various indigenous populations: Pre-Ceramic period of 2500 BC -1000 AD, Ceramic Period of the Caquetio Indians 900 – 1515 and the Historic Period of 1515 – 1880 AD. The museum also regularly brings in exhibitions from international institutions and local artists.
San Nicholas Community Museum
This institution is the newest museum on the island. The eclectic collection includes artifacts from various components of Aruban and world history. You’ll see ancient fossils, old newspapers recounting world events and even an original wanted poster for the outlaw Jesse James.
Are you ready to head out on a trip of a lifetime? You can stop in Aruba on a Southern Caribbean cruise. Or maybe you’re ready to plan your “bucket list” Alaskan vacation. Let the agents at CruiseExperts.com do the hard work. Call us at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visit our website www.CruiseExperts.com.
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