What this tiny museum lacks in size it more than makes up for with its fascinating subject matter. The modern Archaeological Museum in downtown Oranjestad, just a stone's throw from main street, depicts the early archaeological beginnings of Aruba. But even if you couldn’t care less about historical artefacts, the beautifully restored building is an attraction itself. The tile floors and outside patios could be used as sets for any historical Hollywood movie. Inside you can trace the history and development of the island through a collection of interesting exhibits and well-lit interactive displays. The origin of the local Papiamento language is also explained and the exhibits pertaining to the origins of Aruba are intriguing, but make sure you bring warmer clothing as the AC that preserves the thousands of historic items makes the museum feel like a meat locker.
