Downtown Oranjestad offers island culture and history
Aside from Oranjestad?s myriad shopping malls, within walking distance of the central bus terminal and Aruba?s principle port are three museums that offer between them a comprehensive time capsule of Aruban and regional history.
The Numismatic Museum, begun by coin-collecting enthusiast Mario Odor is a family affair, maintained and run by his progeny and their spouses. Located directly behind the bus terminal in the historic building that was Aruba?s first bank, the museum is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM, and is ranked the 7th best money museum in the world.
Regional history is traced through the development of money, from beads and shells employed by the Amerindians, to Aruba?s present day coinage and bills. The museum also contains a room filled with more than 400 first issues from over 150 nations that demonstrates the remarkable artistry that dedicated to memorial coinage. Another room exhibits ancient coins dating back over 2000 years, with their history explained in English and Papiamento.
Recently, the museum unveiled a huge inventory that curator Roy Feliciano spent the last year cataloging and arranging, and the Numismatic Museum now features a new permanent exposition of more than 70,000 coins and bills from around the world, which they added to the existing 40,000 pieces on display.
Only a block away is Aruba?s new Archeological Museum, which is due to officially open on July 26, 2009. The culture and lifestyle of the original Aruban inhabitants is demonstrated through reproductions of an actual village and various interactive and multimedia presentations. Island artists have been invited to interpret the history of Aruba in various mediums, and the second floor will house an exposition that will change every six months.
The entrance takes visitors through the historic Ecury complex, loving restored to its original glory, then to the new, modern and environmentally controlled edifice which houses the delicate artifacts and the working archeology department.
The museum is a joint project of the European Union, the Ministry of Labor, Culture and Sport, and UNOCA and is located at Schelpstraat 42. For more information regarding opening times of the new museum the possibility arranging tours for groups by calling 582-8979.
Fort Zoutman, dating from 1796 is Aruba?s oldest existing building and one of the most distinctive structures on the island. It is only a short walk from the harbor and the Renaissance Mall, close to the other two museums. The Willam III tower stands high above the buildings of Oranjestad to guild you to the Aruba Historical Museum located within the fort. The museum was established in 1983 when renovations to the fort and tower were completed.
Every Tuesday evening Fort Zoutman hosts the Bon Bini Festival, a lively presentation of native music, dance and handicrafts. The Historical Museum displays a diversity of artifacts dating from Spanish occupation of the island to the present; open Monday through Friday from 10:00 to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 PM in the afternoon.
Aside from Oranjestad?s myriad shopping malls, within walking distance of the central bus terminal and Aruba?s principle port are three museums that offer between them a comprehensive time capsule of Aruban and regional history.