Kura Hulanda Museum, Willemstad: Tickets, Tours, Address, Phone Number, Kura Hulanda Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
Kura Hulanda Museum
Kura Hulanda Museum
4.5
About
Exhibits trace Curaçaoans African roots and the legacy of the slave trade in the region.
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from $11.54
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4.5
1,263 reviews
Excellent
624
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155
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28
Terrible
13
BrooklynTrekker
Brooklyn, NY73 contributions
Missing the history of slavery in Curacao
Jul 2021
Visiting this museum, one might reasonably ask why it is in Curacao. It has a hall of Middle Eastern history, and another hall of African history. Then one finds its slavery exhibits deal almost exclusively with the African trade, slavery in the American south, and abolition, civil war, reconstruction and racism in the United States. There is literally nothing about Curacao's role in the slave trade.
As compelling as the exhibits are (and some are pretty wrenching), it was strange to visit a museum billed as explaining the history of slavery built on the site of transient slave quarters, with no mention of the history of its own building.
As compelling as the exhibits are (and some are pretty wrenching), it was strange to visit a museum billed as explaining the history of slavery built on the site of transient slave quarters, with no mention of the history of its own building.
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tomiwa
30 contributions
Nice short tour
Made a quick stop here for a tour. Lots of interesting facts, unfortunately was pressed for time so couldn’t do a full In-depth tour.
Written May 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David Marino
La Jolla, CA460 contributions
Must do!
I learned more about the history of the slave industry in one hour at this museum that I did in my entire prior educational experience. This is a it’s spinning Museum that documents to beginning of the slave trade and the involvement of the Dutch in it from the 1500s forward. The amount of physical archives are unprecedented with any museum I’ve ever seen. It is absolutely appropriate families families and for anyone interested in the truth around the enslavement of African communities from the 1400s forward. I just don’t know how you could have other than an excellent experience here. While there are a number of archives and stories that could make people uncomfortable, this is the hard reality of what happened and everyone needs to know it.
Written March 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rob C
New York City, NY611 contributions
Definitely worth a visit
Jan 2021 • Couples
Well designed informative museum focused on the slave trade in Curaçao, which was a transit point and supplier of slave labor to the Americas. The original water tap for slaves and the leg irons used to shackle slaves on board ships transporting them from Africa to the Caribbean graphically demonstrate the inhumanity of the slave trade. A valuable and necessary reality check for visitors otherwise enjoying the beaches and breezes of the island.
Written February 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jessica G
Nijmegen, The Netherlands54 contributions
Not to miss museum
Oct 2020 • Couples
We took a guided tour and were very impressed by the stories told. Makes you realise how important it is to never forget about this part of our history.
Written October 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Giel1985
Nijmegen, The Netherlands83 contributions
Impressive
Oct 2020 • Couples
Really interesting and impressive place, very much worth your time when visiting Curaçao. The guided tour option is highly recommendable. Food for thought!
Written October 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patrick B
Maastricht, The Netherlands615 contributions
Mixed impressions
Oct 2020 • Couples
This museum is a must-go for those who have never really dived into the history of slave trade and the issue of decolonisation. But for those who have, there is not much new to learn. The exhibition is a bit messy at times - lots of artefacts, at times confusing text. This is a shame because some of the things on view are interesting/shocking.
Written October 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
adammmiles
1 contribution
One of the most important experiences one can have
Sep 2019 • Family
I knew this museum had exhibits about Africa, the slave trade, and the legacy of racism, but I was unprepared for the sheer, visceral enormity of the experience. From the reconstruction of the cramped middle passage hold to the torturous implements of captivity, I was horrified anew in a way that no book or film could ever impart. And then, you turn the corner, and there is a Klan robe and hood, standing ominously in an exhibit detailing the generations of oppression and brutality that still stain our global consciousness. Funny that I had to leave the United States for such a profound examination of our collective legacy of systemic racism, one that we're still reckoning with today. Curaçao is a beautiful country with lovely people and many comforts and delights, but if you visit, you owe it to yourself to spend a few hours at Kura Hulanda, confronting an uncomfortable past that in so many ways informs our present.
Written August 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Moshe
New Brunswick, NJ6 contributions
Heart wrenching ing but important
Mar 2020
Why go to a museum focused on the inhumanity of the trans-Atlantic slave trade? To understand a place beyond being just a vacation consumer and relating in a human and meaningful way to the culture and people you have to learn at least a little of the history- and this museum tells the whole story. Seeing leg irons and instruments of slavery and torment, the shacks of slaves, the narrow berths of the horrific middle passage and the manifests of slave ships and markets is to begin to understand the agony and reality-- and to make Curacao's experience as a diverse community all the more amazing. Not to be missed-- but not for kids. Lots of reading involved-- to do this right you need a couple of hours but it's worth it.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sandbeachandsun
Dousman, Wisconsin84 contributions
Amazing Artifacts and History of Slavery
Feb 2020
We had a bit of trouble finding this museum, but were certainly glad we did! An impressive collection of BC artifacts can be seen here. We were truly blown away by the many ancient artifacts found at this museum! We also found the exhibits on slavery to be very moving. We find it very important to learn about the history of the islands we visit and found this museum to be very enlightening. The lady who checked us in was very friendly and attentive. While there we noticed that the building that housed the history of slavery in the United States was not air conditioned. It appears the air conditioner is in need of repair. It did not bother us that it was quite warm in this building; however, it was sad to see the artifacts in this area not being protected.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Martje d
Marrakech, Morocco34 contributions
What are the opening times?
Seagull4free
McAllen, TX174 contributions
Opening Hours
Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m.
tyler
Indiana
how hot is it normally in at the museum?
Liljazzyb317
Bronx, NY28 contributions
hmmm, it all depends which exhibit you are in a few are air conditioned as the artifacts need to be cool, some are in huts, which is a bit hotter, but definetly you should see it. you will feel some of the weight seeing some of the artifacts,
VacationerRAY
New York City, NY
Hello - my husband and I visited the island for 8 days and went to this museum abt 15 years ago. It was very well presented, informative and very educational. We are scheduled to arrive on 4/17/19 and would like to take our 12 yr. son so that he can get another perspective on what slaves had to endure. Wanted to know how far the museum is from the port and what other galleries/eateries/beaches are near this area? Thanks in advance. Looking forward to our visit in Curacao!
Hello
Will the museum be open on Easter Monday (4/22/19)?
CRYSTAL1950_12
Long Island, NY1 contribution
Monday 9:30AM–3:30PM
Tuesday 9:30AM–3:30PM
Wednesday 9:30AM–3:30PM
Thursday 9:30AM–3:30PM
Friday 9:30AM–3:30PM
Saturday 9:30AM–4:30PM
Sunday Closed
Amy W
Urbana, Illinois, United States23 contributions
Hi, Amy. What would you like to know about this attraction? We will be taking a cruise in October of 2019. I have adopted a child who is African American. He will be 13 at the time of the trip. I am wondering if this is something he could handle. He has some emotional issues and has discussed how "his people" have been treated bad in the past. His people was his terms. I am not sure if this will help him process or make things worse.
vinsha
Toronto, Canada180 contributions
He will need to be prepared for sure. But if he can handle it I would suggest taking him there as he needs to know what " his people went through" and be amazed at the resilience of a group of people. Also important to know that so called "civilized people" were barbaric and cruel and traded people. Hopefully he will gain strength and learn to stand up for himself and others when needed, Good luck with the visit
Staci C
Amanda, OH377 contributions
is museum wheelchair accessible?
EU4
London, UK69 contributions
There is an accessible entrance at the side of the Museum. Ask at the bar at the bottom of the stairs to the main entrance- they will open the gate for you.
The majority of the museum is accessible although some rooms are accessed from the ‘wrong’ end (ie the exit)
It is well worth the effort to visit and someone to push / help with the wheelchair will make it easier. (We visited in Feb 2018 and my wife is a wheelchair user).
Note that there is no wheelchair accessible toilet at the museum - it is up one step although there may be accessible toilet facilities in the adjacent hotel complex.
Hamiltontraveller
Hamilton, Ontario547 contributions
What age is considered “senior” for the reduced admission?
Alimatu A
Brooklyn, NY8 contributions
I didn't notice the senior pricing.
Hola me gustaría saber cuánto cuesta la entrada al museo?
VacationerRAY
New York City, NY
La entrada es $10 para adulto, $7 para ninos y personas maduras.
coastmama
Seal Rock, OR29 contributions
Is the museum close to the cruise ship docks and how much does it cost to get in? NCL doesn't offer as an excursion.
Dspaul
Willemstad, Curaçao61 contributions
It is approximately half a mile. You just from the cruiseship through the riffort,along the "pontjes bridge" After the "brion" square you see the blue "Otabanda: hotel. Go into the "Breedestraat": the Kura Holanda Museum entrance is in the street at the back of this blue " Casino and Hotel". The museum has an excellent collection of African Art that accompanies the history of slavery. A must see: but take your time to enjoy it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kura Hulanda Museum
- Kura Hulanda Museum can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 2 Kura Hulanda Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Kura Hulanda Museum:
- (0.08 mi) Curacao Suites Hotel
- (0.04 mi) Kura Hulanda Village & Spa
- (0.06 mi) Otrobanda Hotel and Casino
- (0.11 mi) Bario Hotel
- (0.06 mi) Hotel Pelikaan & Casino
- Restaurants near Kura Hulanda Museum:
- (0.06 mi) Gouverneur de Rouville
- (0.06 mi) The Captain Bar
- (0.10 mi) Bario Urban Street Food
- (0.08 mi) Noir Cocktail Bar
- (0.13 mi) Dutch Treat