Kura Hulanda Museum
Kura Hulanda Museum
4.5
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Exhibits trace Curaçaoans African roots and the legacy of the slave trade in the region.
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- historyfanatic99New York City, New York217 contributionsA necessary place to visitThis was an amazing museum filled with artifacts and information. There is a lot of information to read - all of which was very enlightening and informative. Lighting is not so good in all places which makes reading more difficult, but be sure to try - i learned a lot from my visit. Definitely should be on your list to visit.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 3, 2023
- Gerda ARenkum, The Netherlands269 contributionsHorrible horrifyingThe astonishing history I knew about in pictures, drawings, paintings and torture equipment. Horrifying horrible! De history of my country (the Netherlands) is so terrible I got into tears while walking around. I understood the people of thuis island and other islands and Suriname slavery history already, but seeing this made me more humble. I wish the whole world wil we alike. No more terror, not being different!Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 6, 2023
- MaplehawkKelowna, Canada381 contributionsWorth a visit to learn about the slave tradeWent to learn about the local history around the slave trade. The museum was not as much about the local history as it is about the general slave trade history. Also large sections about African culture and art. Some amazing artifacts that are sadly deteriorating in the challenging climate control of this small museum. Unfortunately did not allow enough time (60 minutes) to read and look at all the exhibits. Spent too much time on the non-slave related areas (guide map has next to no info and the staff did not provide any advice or ask if we wanted any). Well worth a visit, recommend you go straight to the back left area with the slave trade exhibits.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,369 reviews
Excellent
692
Very good
463
Average
169
Poor
30
Terrible
16
Patrick B
Maastricht, The Netherlands714 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob C
New York City, NY1,115 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pollyseed00
Los Angeles, CA106 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
The museum is a must see by all who visit the island. I was impressed by the museum staff and the museum guide; everyone we came in contact with had passion about the work they do. Each exhibit at the museum takes you back to important parts of history. Make sure to bring a camera. I am so thankful that I got to experience the museum and really understand how we are all connected.
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaryEliseM
Arlington, VA69 contributions
Aug 2021
Both gut-wrenching and a little breathtaking, the large portion of the museum dedicated to the island's history of slave trade (hidden behind a dividing wall) is an absolute must do. The recovered shackles hanging along all the walls left me literally breathless and I had to remove myself a few times. It stays with you.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allen B
Muskegon, MI1,220 contributions
May 2022
This was the first place we went after we met our wonderful and amazing private tour guide Ralph from Curacao VIP Tours. Ralph was amazing, taking us everywhere interesting and important in his private Chrysler 300 air conditioned taxi!
The museum was so amazing and contains so much history, especially about the slave trade. It is full of artifacts from the past and even has a replica of a slave ship that you can "board". So many things here brought tears to my eyes that mankind behaved this way, and that so much prejudice and ignorance still exists.
The museum was so amazing and contains so much history, especially about the slave trade. It is full of artifacts from the past and even has a replica of a slave ship that you can "board". So many things here brought tears to my eyes that mankind behaved this way, and that so much prejudice and ignorance still exists.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting Museum Kura Hulanda. We appreciate it very much and hope to see you again soon.
Written May 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Erin P
Davidsonville, MD10 contributions
Feb 2023
Very moving museum about the African slave trade. The good: a TON of documents, newspapers, African artifacts, manacles and other tools used to keep people from running away and as torture devices, plus lots of interesting historical and cultural displays. The downside: for background, I volunteer in an archival lab where I do document repairs and I was saddened to see the state of some of their documents. They were cheaply framed and have been badly damaged by water. Lots of newspaper articles and displays from books, but without descriptions or translations made people pass them by quickly. It is still very well worth it, though - they were working on parts of the buildings when we were there - hopefully now that Pandemic restrictions have lifted, more tourists will come and/or they'll get the funds they need to preserve their materials properly.
Written February 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit. We appreciate it
Written March 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
flemon lewis
St. Thomas100 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
You must visit if you are interested in the history of the slave trade and the atrocities of mankind. My ancestors survived the Middle passage and then went into a life of despair. The museum is well layout from different eras. The belief of evolution is beyond me. The most grappling part was the torture of the original inhabitants on the earth. Further, the organized strategy to disenfranchise humans is deplorable. One must spend a couple hours viewing the collections.
Written January 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit. We appreciate it
Written March 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beverly H
31 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This museum that presents the history of the African Slave Trade is extremely detailed and offers an excellent overview of the topic. The artifacts are well chosen and the signage is thoughtful and thorough. Although not large, we were delighted by the depth and breadth of the collection, including all aspects of the triangular trade.
Written March 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit
Written April 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gerda A
Renkum, The Netherlands269 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The astonishing history I knew about in pictures, drawings, paintings and torture equipment. Horrifying horrible! De history of my country (the Netherlands) is so terrible I got into tears while walking around. I understood the people of thuis island and other islands and Suriname slavery history already, but seeing this made me more humble. I wish the whole world wil we alike. No more terror, not being different!
Written December 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shellsway
41 contributions
Aug 2022
This was a great museum regarding the slave trade. I wasn't expecting so many artifacts. It is heavy and deep, especially if you are descendants of enslaved people but the level of detail and all of the genuine artifacts were amazing to see. A range of emotions on this visit. I want to go back and spend more time really taking all of the information in.
Written August 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Opening Hours
Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m.
Written July 5, 2019
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,
Written June 11, 2019
Hello!
Can you walk here from the cruise port?
Thank you!
Written April 22, 2019
Yes, it is actually quite close. Google maps would give you a good idea. Stroll through the fort and past the floating bridge, maybe 15 minute walk.
Written April 22, 2019
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!
Written April 2, 2019
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
Written April 2, 2019
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.
Written August 3, 2018
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
Written August 13, 2018
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.
Written June 25, 2018
What age is considered “senior” for the reduced admission?
Written February 21, 2018
La entrada es $10 para adulto, $7 para ninos y personas maduras.
Written April 2, 2019
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.
Written February 7, 2016
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.
Written February 9, 2016
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