Museum of Industry San Nicolas
Discover Aruba's industrial past and WWII contributions through engaging exhibits and passionate staff in San Nicolas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the midday sun
Museum of Industry San Nicolas
Best Time
Escape the midday sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Aruba's industrial past and WWII contributions through engaging exhibits and passionate staff in San Nicolas.
"A must-do to learn more on the rich history of the island, perfect when the sun hits hard."
💰 Bring Cash for Entry
Entrance fee is $5 USD, cash only. An ATM is nearby if needed.
🤝 Chat with Knowledgeable Staff
Staff are super welcoming and eager to share fascinating facts and stories.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aruba's Industrial History
Main exhibition halls
Discover the island's past through artifacts and photos detailing its five key industries and their local impact.
WWII Fueling Station Insights
Dedicated exhibit section
Learn about Aruba's crucial role in supplying fuel to planes during World War II.
Cultural Welcoming Narratives
Throughout the museum
Understand how the welcoming of diverse nationalities shaped Aruba into the gem it is today.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King for Entry
Best Paired with San Nicolas Murals
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Bring Cash for Entry
Entrance fee is $5 USD, cash only. An ATM is nearby if needed. +1
🤝 Chat with Knowledgeable Staff
Staff are super welcoming and eager to share fascinating facts and stories. +1
🖼️ Combine with Mural Tour
Ideal afternoon activity after viewing San Nicolas' vibrant street art.
⏱️ Quick & Informative Visit
Plan for about an hour to explore the well-designed, informative exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Bring Cash for Entry
Entrance fee is $5 USD, cash only. An ATM is nearby if needed. +1
🤝 Chat with Knowledgeable Staff
Staff are super welcoming and eager to share fascinating facts and stories. +1
🖼️ Combine with Mural Tour
Ideal afternoon activity after viewing San Nicolas' vibrant street art.
⏱️ Quick & Informative Visit
Plan for about an hour to explore the well-designed, informative exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Museum of Industry San Nicolas as a hidden gem, highlighting its well-curated exhibits on Aruba's industrial history and its crucial role in WWII. The knowledgeable and welcoming staff are frequently mentioned as a major draw, enhancing the learning experience with fascinating stories and facts. While small, it's considered a must-visit for understanding the island's heritage.
"This museum is a must when visiting Aruba. The history of the island all provided within one succinct collection of artifacts and photos. 5 stars to Edward, who explained everything we looked at in detail and even shared some fascinating photos, interesting facts and stories of this beautiful island. Remember to Bring cash for the entrance fee! If not, there’s an ATM nearby. All in all, a must!"
Angela castillo
"I enjoyed this museum so much! Edward is so personal, and the stories he shared...amazing! This place needs to be advertised more, people love history. The fact that Aruba was supplying fuel to planes during WWII at the rate that they were is not talked about enough. The cultural aspect of welcoming the different nationalities is why Aruba is such a gem.
*pls note...take cash, $5 usd no cards"
Lakeisha Finney
"Hidden gem: very well curated exhibition about the five industries of Aruba, their history and local impact. Great conversation with the very knowledgeable staff. Don't miss! Open Tue-Fri, 5 USD."
Oliver
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in San Nicolas, Aruba. If you're coming from other parts of the island, consider a taxi or rental car. Many visitors combine a trip to the museum with exploring the famous San Nicolas murals.
Yes, public buses operate on Aruba and can take you to San Nicolas. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the museum and the mural district.
Absolutely! The museum is a perfect addition to a day trip focused on San Nicolas' art scene and history. It's often recommended to visit in the afternoon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is $5 USD per person. It's important to note that the museum primarily accepts cash payments. +1
No, the museum typically does not accept credit cards for the entrance fee. Visitors are advised to bring cash. There is an ATM nearby if needed.
The museum is generally open from Tuesday to Friday. It's a good idea to confirm the exact hours before your visit, as they can sometimes vary.
Advance booking is usually not required for the Museum of Industry San Nicolas, especially given its typically low crowd levels. You can purchase tickets upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum offers a well-curated exhibition focusing on the five key industries of Aruba, their history, and their local impact. You'll find artifacts, photos, and engaging stories.
Most visitors find that a visit to the Museum of Industry San Nicolas takes about an hour. It's a concise yet informative experience.
While the museum focuses on history and industry, its engaging exhibits and the stories shared by staff can be interesting for older children and teenagers interested in learning about Aruba's past.
The museum is a great place to visit when the sun is strong, suggesting it offers a cool respite from the heat.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Museum of Industry San Nicolas is a smaller, focused museum and does not typically have on-site dining facilities. However, San Nicolas has various local eateries and cafes nearby.
San Nicolas offers a range of dining options, from local Aruban cuisine to casual cafes. Many visitors enjoy exploring the local food scene after their museum visit.
Zeerovers is a popular seafood restaurant often mentioned as a stop on the way back from San Nicolas, suggesting it's a great option for a meal after your cultural exploration.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is often permitted. It's always best to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
The exhibits themselves, featuring historical artifacts and informative displays, offer great opportunities for capturing the essence of Aruba's industrial past.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting after exploring the vibrant street art of San Nicolas, as this combination offers a diverse cultural experience. The museum provides a cool, indoor escape from the afternoon sun, making it a practical choice for a midday activity. Remember to bring cash for the modest entrance fee.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
Don't miss the insights into Aruba's crucial role during WWII and the stories behind the island's welcoming of diverse nationalities. The museum is perfectly situated to be combined with a tour of the San Nicolas murals, offering a comprehensive cultural immersion in one of Aruba's most vibrant towns.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Cruise Ships
Plan to visit the museum in the afternoon, perhaps after exploring the colorful murals. It's a great way to spend an hour learning about the island's heritage. Ensure you have cash for the entrance fee, as credit cards are not accepted.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Five Industries of Aruba
These industries include oil refining, which played a pivotal role in Aruba's modern economic history, particularly during WWII. The museum also delves into the importance of tourism, which has become a cornerstone of the island's prosperity. Other key sectors highlighted are mining (especially phosphates), aloe vera cultivation, and fishing, each contributing uniquely to the island's heritage and livelihood. The exhibits aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these industries intertwined and influenced the Aruban way of life.
Real travelers often praise the museum's staff for their deep knowledge and willingness to share detailed stories about these industries. This personal touch transforms the visit from a passive viewing experience into an engaging historical journey. The staff's insights, including fascinating facts and personal anecdotes, are frequently cited as a highlight of the museum.
Aruba's Role in World War II
This exhibit sheds light on a lesser-known but crucial part of the war effort, highlighting Aruba's economic and logistical importance. Visitors can learn about the scale of operations and the impact this had on the island's economy and its people. The museum effectively conveys the historical weight of this period, offering a unique perspective on Aruba's involvement in global events.
Travelers often express surprise and fascination upon learning about Aruba's significant role during WWII, noting that this aspect of history is not widely discussed. The detailed explanations and the passion of the museum staff in sharing these stories make this a particularly memorable part of the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit