Hidden in the quiet northern corner of Aruba lies a cultural gem unlike any other: Etnia Nativa — a private museum and art gallery devoted to preserving and sharing Aruba’s authentic heritage. This one-of-a-kind venue is the passion project of August Anthony Croes, one of the island’s last native Arubans and a living encyclopedia of its rich, untold history.
🏠 Etnia Nativa: A Cultural Sanctuary
Nestled in West Punt and operated by Anthony and his wife, this by-appointment-only experience gives visitors an intimate look at Aruba’s roots — from indigenous traditions and colonial influences to native flora, fauna, and folklore. Each tour is personalized, meaning no two visits are ever the same.
Artifacts, native pottery, natural products, and traditional tools are part of what you’ll discover — all woven together by Anthony’s compelling storytelling and depth of knowledge.
🎨 More Than a Museum: An Artistic Legacy
Etnia Nativa is also home to a vibrant art gallery, where Anthony showcases his own work inspired by Aruba’s ancient rock art, earth-derived clay, and recycled materials. His unique pieces reflect a strong connection to the island’s ancestral culture and environmental consciousness.
Stan Kuiperi, a fellow Aruban artist, describes him best:
“August Croes is a visual artist that finds inspiration in Aruba’s native past and the cultural world this represents… He strongly believes in upholding cultural values that form the basis of contemporary Aruban society.”
📚 Meet the Native Aruban: August Anthony Croes
With an MBS in Anthropology and Archaeology, Anthony’s life mission has been preserving and sharing the authentic Aruba. In 2002, he became the first subject in the Native Aruban Genome Project, confirming deep ancestral ties to the region’s original inhabitants.
He’s also a children’s book author, school lecturer, and environmental advocate. Notably, he was part of the advisory team that helped establish Arikok National Park as a protected area back in the 1990s.
🧭 The ‘Untold Stories of Aruba’ Series Begins
We’re thrilled to announce a special collaboration between VisitAruba and Etnia Nativa to launch the ‘Untold Stories of Aruba’ — a blog series guided by none other than Anthony Croes himself.
You’ll gain insight into Aruba’s:
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First inhabitants
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Early agricultural practices
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Little-known facts behind local names and traditions
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And so much more that you won’t find in any tourist guide
📖 Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
If you consider yourself an Aruba lover, history buff, or simply someone who values cultural authenticity, this series is for you. Get ready to uncover the lesser-known side of One Happy Island — and meet the people and stories that shaped it.
Photo credits : https://www.visitaruba.com/blog/things-to-do/introducing-etnia-nativa-and-the-untold-stories-of-aruba-series/
