Engaging displays trace the island’s history, including exhibits on the Dutch West India Co, the growth of Willemstad, the slave trade and more. A highlight is Steam for Oil, a working model of the oil refinery that has been a centerpiece of the island's economy throughout the 20th century. The museum also runs informative biweekly harbor tours. Combination tickets are available.
Curaçao Maritime Museum
Willemstad
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
20.41 MILES
This 1800-hectare preserve is formed from three old plantations, including the Savonet Plantation, which is now the excellent Savonet Museum; combination…
0.19 MILES
Located in a 19th-century merchant's house and slave quarters, this excellent museum documents the brutal history of slavery in the New World, including…
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19.95 MILES
Curaçao's most majestic natural wonder is a hidden cave on its western shore, accessible only via the ocean. The prime attraction of the cave is its…
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2.29 MILES
As visitors wander the leafy grounds of this 1735 plantation home they encounter a range of things. An old car covered in mosaic tiles depicting sea…
22.39 MILES
This West End beach is a stunner. In fact, you've probably seen it on the cover of a Curaçao tourist brochure: a perfect crescent of brilliant white sand,…
0.2 MILES
Spanning Sint Annabaai, this local landmark is sometimes called Our Swinging Old Lady. It's a pontoon bridge that swings open to make way for oceangoing…
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1.59 MILES
Housed in the 17th-century Landhuis Habaai plantation house, this cooperative gallery has the city's largest collection of works by Caribbean artists. The…
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21 MILES
Remember the one book/song/food/friend you would bring if you were going to be stuck on a desert island? That'll come in handy when you take a trip to…
Nearby Willemstad attractions
At the Curaçao Maritime Museum, this exhibit includes a working model of the oil refinery that has been a centerpiece of the island's economy throughout…
0.06 MILES
An example of beautifully preserved art-deco architecture in the crumbling Scharloo district.
0.06 MILES
A colorful place to see piles of papayas, melons, plantains, grapes, oranges, apples, tomatoes and much more. The vendors sail 70km from Venezuela to set…
4. Jewish Cultural-Historical Museum
0.14 MILES
The 1651 Mikvé Israel Emanuel Synagogue has the oldest continuously operating Jewish congregation in the western hemisphere. Its small but fascinating…
0.19 MILES
Located in a 19th-century merchant's house and slave quarters, this excellent museum documents the brutal history of slavery in the New World, including…
0.2 MILES
Spanning Sint Annabaai, this local landmark is sometimes called Our Swinging Old Lady. It's a pontoon bridge that swings open to make way for oceangoing…
0.22 MILES
Dating from the 17th century, this much-modified fort is now home to government offices. Inside the large courtyard (enter through the gate on the western…
0.88 MILES
After a failed revolt in Venezuela in 1812, Simón Bolívar fled to Curaçao with his two sisters, who were accommodated in this oddly shaped beach house…