National Archaeological Museum Aruba, Oranjestad (must see)

The National Archaeological Museum Aruba (NAMA) stands as a beacon celebrating over 5000 years of Amerindian culture on the island. In a landmark moment on July 26, 2009, the museum found its home in the beautifully restored former dwellings of the Ecury family, one of Aruba's most significant historic landmarks. The inauguration was graced by the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and Professor Pieter van Vollenhoven, accompanied by an open-air show featuring artists from across the Kingdom.

NAMA boasts a collection of over 10,000 Amerindian artifacts spanning the Pre-Ceramic, Ceramic, and Historic Cultural Periods. The diverse array of artifacts includes pottery, shell, stone, bone, and glass, offering insights into Amerindian daily life, spirituality, and their extensive communication network connecting Aruba to Europe, Mexico, and central South America.

The archaeological staff at NAMA is actively involved in researching the collections, leading excavations, and preserving key heritage sites, including the remarkable cave paintings located in Arikok National Park.

The museum's 580 m2 permanent exhibition provides an exciting, interactive, and educational experience for residents and tourists alike.
Thematic experiences exploring Home Life, Artistic and Sacred Expression, Origins and Exchanges, and the Past in the Present bring Aruba's rich cultural heritage to life. Visitors are treated to reconstructed environments, multimedia presentations, and hands-on activities that showcase Aruba's archaeological treasures. Themed exhibits, such as 'Rancho,' pay homage to the museum's neighborhood, offering diverse perspectives on Aruba's heritage.