If you are visiting Oranjestad, Aruba, a trip to the Royal Aruba Aloe Museum in Hato offers you a fascinating look into one of the island's oldest industries. Founded in 1890 by Cornelis Eman and still owned by the Eman family, this historic facility is one of the oldest aloe companies in the world and one of the few global aloe producers that grows, harvests, and processes all its aloe products directly on the very same site. Located right next to Cornelis Eman’s original aloe field, the museum allows you to step inside a production tradition that carries over 170 years of history in Aruba.
When you visit, you can take advantage of free guided tours offered in English, Spanish, Dutch, and Papiamento. You will learn all about the complete history of local aloe manufacturing while observing how the plant is cut, packed, tested, prepared, and stored. You can even look directly into the processing plant to watch the live production steps in real time.
Before leaving, you can stop by the company's first physical store, which opened on site in 2000, to browse products crafted by a proud business that holds a prestigious Royal Predicate award.
What to see at Aloe Museum
- Free guided tours available in English, Spanish, Dutch, and Papiamento
- Direct views into the plant to watch aloe being cut, prepared, tested, and stored
- Located in Hato right next to Cornelis Eman's original aloe field
- Access to the company's original physical store opened in 2000
Visiting tips
Take advantage of the complimentary guided tour to learn how aloe is cut, tested, and packed right on site.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Aloe Museum is easy to reach on Oranjestad’s public transport, and pairs naturally with St Ann's Church and St. Francis of Assisi Church, Oranjestad. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Oranjestad travel guide.
See the full Oranjestad travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.