A Place for History and Reflection

Kura Hulanda Museum is one of Curaçao’s most important cultural landmarks, located within the restored buildings of Kura Hulanda Village in Otrobanda. Founded in 1999 by Dutch philanthropist Jacob Gelt Dekker, the museum was created to confront the history of the transatlantic slave trade with honesty and depth while placing it within a broader global context. Set across several historic buildings, once part of a slave-trading post, the museum moves through galleries covering early human origins, West African empires, Mesopotamian artifacts, and Caribbean culture. The setting itself adds another layer to the experience, where the architecture becomes part of the story. The museum also stands on land once cared for by the Indigenous peoples of Curaçao. Long before European colonization, they cultivated the land, navigated its waters, and shaped cultural traditions that continue to influence the island today. We recognize this as part of their ancestral heritage and honor their contributions, resilience, and enduring presence, reflected in the language, culture, and spirit of Curaçao. With five permanent exhibitions and more than 5,000 artifacts, a guided tour is highly recommended, offering deeper context and perspective throughout the visit. The museum shop features postcards, African sculptures and masks, books, and cultural keepsakes. Guided tours are available in Papiamentu, Dutch, English, and Spanish.