4 Best Sights in Aruba

Housed in a gorgeous glassed-in affair right downtown, ArtisA (Art is Aruba) is part art gallery and part of the administrative foundation that is largely responsible for the art and culture revolution in San Nicolas. Rotating exhibits showcase local artists, and visitors can purchase works on site or from their large online collection. This is also where you can purchase tickets to the guided art walk tours (also available online.)  The ethereal space hosts workshops; the foundation has also begun hosting special events like “art-meets-cuisine,” where local chefs offer a dining experience inspired by the local artists, sometimes with local musicians on site, too. They plan to open a second “fun” gallery nearby called Space21.art that will serve cocktails and tapas and act as a cultural socializing hub.

The glassblowing company that opened this modern complex creates magnificent works using time-honored skills that trace back to Murano, Italy. They’ve been bringing the art of glassblowing to Venezuela through their family-run business since 1957, and now they are eager to educate Arubans and visitors alike by welcoming them into their open-space working factory to watch the masters create. There is also a spacious gallery where works are available for purchase and a lovely café/bar on site.

The National Theater of Aruba, the island's cultural center, hosts art exhibits, folkloric shows, dance performances, and concerts throughout the year.

Although UNOCA is Aruba's national gallery, it's much more, acting as an anchor to host cultural and performance events.