Museum of Industry — Attraction in San Nicolaas

This needs to be in more guide books! (Or I need a new guide book!) We were so blown away by this museum. It’s not large, but it’s packed with information and it was such a delight to learn the history of the island’s industries, and then explore the island and see the history right in front of you (like the oil refinery in the distance and the plantation in arikok national park, as well as the remains of the gold mill). This museum is incredibly designed to take you through Aruba’s industrial history, from gold to aloe to phosphorus to oil to tourism, and then leave you with the hope of green tourism. Be sure not to miss going upstairs to be immersed in a conversation with Aruban elders as they tell their stories about the history of the island. This was one of our favorite visits on the island. We were sad to have missed seeing the sister community museum, but will be sure to catch it next visit! Make sure to stop here early on your trip if you’re able, so you can see the history in real time...

It's a MUST see for all tourists and visitors of Aruba! Far away of high rise and low rise hotel area you'll get the pure Aruba feeling. San Nicolaas is a beautiful city which a lot of impressive house paintings! The museum it self is separated into two floors, downstairs you'll get detailed information about the different types of industry, which have influenced Aruba until today. Upstairs you'll get into a circular cinema with different TVs, where you'll hear six people and their stories about the development of Aruba. Make sure to change your seats during the presentation, to get the feeling of being face to face with them.

After the tour through the museum, we had a very interesting and informative talk with one of the people, who work there, about our impression of Aruba and how we thought about Aruba, before we came here!

All in all, a fabulous museum and a great way of bringing the story of Aruba to the visitors!!

Mashi Danki from your german...

This museum is set inside an old water tank which is just the start of the fantastic and superb tour... It's 5 entry fee that can be paid with cash or card. The museum is carefully and well set out for a historical/ chronological walk through Aruba's history which is a quite interesting story of prosperous ups and to me suspicious downs. It gives a beautiful display of the diversity and harmony that exists on the island. My tour was conducted by an extremely knowledgeable and polite guide ( I have no idea why his name slips me) who was answered all questions with enthusiasm. The tour ends in a theatre like room for tales from Arubans of older times I think the museum is a must see! We simply took a bus down from Oranjestad 2.50 and walked about 5 minutes in an easterly direction! You can see the tour from...