Curaçao Museum 🇨🇼

Step into history at the Curaçao Museum, the oldest existing museum in Curaçao, opened in 1948. Housed in a former military hospital complex on a hill—originally built in 1892 on the Plantersrust plantation and dating back to 1853—this monumental site offers a deep look into the island's rich heritage. As you explore the galleries, you will discover a vast collection of historical objects from the 18th to early 20th centuries, including antique furniture, cultural artifacts, and a traditional Curaçaoan kitchen.

Head down to the basement to view an exhibition dedicated to the island's Amerindian history, or admire an array of fine paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Beyond traditional art, you can view the cockpit of the Snip, the first aircraft to fly from the Netherlands to Curaçao, alongside the locomotive from the island's first mining railway. Outside, wander through a serene botanical garden featuring rare local plant species, or walk the sculpture garden displaying statues of freedom fighters Luis Brion and Manuel Piar.

Featuring rotating exhibitions from both local and international artists, the museum provides a truly authentic journey into the art, history, and culture of the region.

What to see at Curaçao Museum

• Explore historical artifacts, antique furniture, and a traditional Curaçaoan kitchen.
• Discover Curaçao's Amerindian history featured in the basement exhibition.
• View the cockpit of the Snip aircraft and the island's first mining railway locomotive.
• Stroll through the outdoor botanical garden showcasing plants rare to Curaçao.
• See statues of freedom fighters Luis Brion and Manuel Piar in the sculpture garden.

Visiting tips

Be sure to explore the entire former military hospital complex, including the outdoor gardens and the basement Amerindian exhibit.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Curaçao Museum is easy to reach on Willemstad’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Curaçao synagogue and Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, Willemstad. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Willemstad travel guide.