Explore the Rich Heritage of Curaçao at The Curaçaosch Museum

The Collection: A Glimpse into History

Art and Craftsmanship

The museum’s collection boasts a diverse array of paintings, etchings, drawings, sculptures, furniture, glass, and textiles. Each piece narrates a story, offering a window into the rich cultural tapestry of Curaçao.

The Period Rooms: A Journey Back in Time

Stijlkamer 1: The 19th-Century Living Room

Step into a beautifully recreated 19th-century living room in Stijlkamer 1, furnished with mahogany pieces crafted by Curaçaoan carpenters. Mahogany, resistant to termites prevalent on the island, was a popular choice. Notable items include a mahogany door from the Alvares Correa family house and the island’s oldest dining table.

Stijlkamer 2: The 19th-Century Bedroom

Explore Stijlkamer 2, a 19th-century bedroom featuring mahogany furniture. The room displays canopy beds, various cabinets, washstands, and an array of chairs, offering a glimpse into the domestic life of the past.

Art Integration

The antique furniture in both period rooms is complemented by artworks from Dutch and international 20th-century artists. Highlights include a painting by Han van Meegeren, known for his Vermeer forgeries, and works by Charley Toorop, Jan Sluijters, Corneille, Isaak Israëls, Carel Willink, and Edgar Fernhout.

The Middle Hall: Celebrating Local Art

The Middle Hall is dedicated to local art, showcasing paintings and prints by Curaçaoan artists and those from the Caribbean region. Prominent names include Hipolito Ocalia, Enrique Olario, Maximiliano Felino Nepomuceno, Luigi Pinedo, José Maria Capricorne, and Jean Girigorie.

The West Indies Hall: A Visual Symphony

In the West Indies Hall, marvel at Willem Bogtman’s grand “glass-in-lead” artwork depicting the Caribbean, created for the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. Also notable is Charles Eyck’s workers’ panel, reflecting his close ties with the Engels family. This hall’s acoustics make it a popular venue for musical concerts.

The Master Hall: Dynamic Exhibitions

The Master Hall hosts rotating exhibitions, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Check the latest exhibits for a fresh perspective on art and history.

The Carillon: A Melodic Tribute

The Carillon “De Vier Koningskinderen” features 47 bells named after significant contributors to Curaçao’s social, cultural, historical, and economic life. Inaugurated in 1951, it was played by the renowned Dutch carillonneur Leen ’t Hart.

The Traditional Kitchen: A Step into Daily Life

The museum’s traditional Curaçaoan kitchen is a vivid space with red walls and white dots, believed to repel flies or spirits. The red color likely helped conceal charcoal stains, while the white dots reflected light, brightening the room.

The Arch Gallery: Historical Artifacts

In the Arch Gallery, discover large “Zjars” used for water storage. The wooden and zinc refrigerator from the late 19th century showcases early methods of meat preservation.

The Museum Garden: Nature and Sculpture

Spanning 5,000 m², the Museum Garden features local flora and sculptures. Notable pieces include statues of freedom fighters Manuel Piar and Pedro Luis Brion by Gabrielle de St. Dénis. The Children’s Village within the garden offers engaging activities for children to learn about Curaçaoan culture.

The Kiosk: A Musical Heritage

The Kiosk, built from parts of the original Brionplein kiosk, is a symbol of Curaçao’s musical heritage. Reconstructed in the museum garden in 1986, it continues to celebrate the island’s rich history.

The Snip Gallery: Aviation Milestone

The Snip Gallery houses the cockpit of the “Snip,” the first KLM aircraft to cross the Atlantic from the Netherlands to Curaçao in 1934. This remarkable journey lasted seven days, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.

CuracaoTodo.com is your ultimate resource for exploring all that Curaçao has to offer. Plan your visit to The Curaçaosch Museum and immerse yourself in the island’s rich heritage.