Curaçao Maritime Museum - Willemstad, Curaçao
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denben
N 12° 06.430 W 068° 55.958
19P E 507330 N 1338404
The Curaçao Maritime Museum is housed in a mansion built in 1729 on the Waaigat inlet just above the Willemstad's Floating Market.
Waymark Code: WMZT2D
Location: Curaçao
Date Posted: 12/31/2018
Views: 4
Curaçao owes its existence to the sea. Its strategic location and natural harbor made it a major seafaring and commercial center from early in its history. The museum interior harmoniously embraces the age-old maritime history and modern design in a historic 17th century building spectacularly restored to its former glory. Exhibits include antique miniatures, 17th century ship models and maps, some even dating back to 1500.
Exibits at ground level show the arrival of the island's original inhabitants at around 600 BC, the arrival of the Spanish explorers in 1499, the conquest of Curaçao by the Dutch West Indian Company (WIC) in 1634, the development of Willemstad and its harbor, the slave trade between 1670 and 1815 and Curaçao's occupation by the British and French in the first decade of the 19th century.
Exibits on the first level of the museum show the development of the 19th century of Willemstad as a naval and maritime trading center and its explosive 20th century development.
Besides a tour of the museum, a demonstration of the mini refinery, which is set up in a separate exhibition hall of the museum, can also be attended. In addition, a tour through the harbour can be made. All tours are led by a guide. Guided tours take place every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon.
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