National Archaeological Museum Aruba
Description: Housed in the beautifully restored former dwellings of the Ecury family, this fascinating museum highlights the island's Amerindian heritage. Pottery vessels, shell and stone tools, burial urns, and skulls and bones are among the 10,000 artifacts on display. A must for archaeology and history buffs. The adjacent lab is ground zero for the study of Aruba's archaeological treasures.
Location: Schelpstraat 42.
Details: Free admission.
Hours: Tues-Fri 10am-5pm and Sat-Sun 10am-2pm
Web Site: http://www.namaruba.org/
Fort Zoutman, Willem III Tower, and Museo Arubano
Description: During the 18th century, Oranjestad's harbor was menaced by pirates who raided horses and anything else of value. To defend the island, the Dutch erected Fort Zoutman in 1796. Aruba's oldest example of Dutch architecture, the bastion is situated on what was once the shoreline (landfill construction in 1930 altered the coastline). In 1867, Willem III Tower, named after the then-reigning Dutch monarch, was added. Over the years, the site has served as an aloe garden, jail, courthouse, junk room, and tax office. The fort was restored in 1974, the tower in 1983. Since 1992, the complex has housed the modest Museo Arubano, which displays prehistoric Caiquetio artifacts and remnants from theDutch colonial period. On Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 8:30pm, the museum hosts the Bon Bini Festival, a fair with local arts and crafts, food, music, and dance.
Location: Zoutmanstraat z/n.
Details: Admission fee is nominal
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm
Cas di Cultura
Description: This architectural melding of futuristic and Caribbean tropical elements is Aruba's cultural center. Programs include film screenings, lectures, dance performances, folkloric shows, and art exhibits.
Location: Vondellaan 2 (at the traffic circle off L.G. Smith Blvd. between the airport and downtown Oranjestad).
Details: Event tickets for sale.
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
Web Site: http://www.casdicultura.aw/
Numismatic Museum of Aruba
Description: This small museum looks unpromising from the outside, but its meticulous, homemade exhibits tell the history of the world through coins. Dedicated numismatists can spend the better part of the morning perusing the 35,000 specimens from more than 400 countries, but anyone with a passing interest in coins or history will appreciate this labor of love. The amazing collection was compiled by a single Aruban, who also researched and wrote the detailed historical notes for each item.
Location: Weststraat z/n, Oranjestad, next to central bus station
Details: $5 admission
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm
UNOCA
Description: UNOCA cordially invites all art lovers and those interested in Aruban culture to visit its art exhibition. The main purpose for opening this permanent art venue is to safeguard and preserve Aruba's cultural heritage and make it more accessible for the local and international community.
Location: Stadionweg 21, Oranjestad
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am - 12pm and 1:30pm - 5pm
Web Site: http://www.unocaruba.org/index.php?pg=intl_info/
"Rococo Plaza" Museum of Antiquities
Description: Louis XV Antiques & Curiosities can be found inside a complex built with antique building materials from the 17th century. The roof and the onion shaped towers in red copper house 23 showrooms of unusual items from Aruba and South America.Location: Tanki Leendert 158-G.
Details: On the last Sunday of the month, local Aruban people sell their goods at a flea market. For information & free pick up from the hotels call : (297)741-5640
Hours: 9am - 5pm week days and Saturday from 10am-2pm
Aruba Aloe Balm Museum
Description: The museum exhibits the 160 years-old history of Aruba's Aloe. Watch how farmers harvest the aloe gel using century old techniques. Take a tour when visiting the island and experience the Aruba Aloe difference.
Location: Located nearby the hotel area, Pitastraat 115.
Hours: Open Monday trough Friday, 8.30am to 4pm and Saturday, 9am to 12pmFor more information visit: www.arubaaloe.com