Aruba’s newest cultural attraction, the Balashi Beer Experience, is set to open its doors at Gloria during the final quarter of 2026, offering visitors an immersive journey through the history of Aruba’s iconic Balashi beer.
The project, which was first announced in early 2025, has now entered its final development phase. A major milestone was recently celebrated with the installation of the attraction’s signature giant beer tank, one of the most recognizable features of the experience.
Located within Gloria, Aruba’s largest multi-entertainment complex, the Balashi Beer Experience aims to meet growing demand for indoor, air-conditioned attractions on the island. The 120-minute attraction is expected to complement existing venues such as The Movies, Starbucks, PF Chang’s, and Olive Garden, further establishing Gloria as a full-day entertainment destination.
Visitors will be guided through Aruba’s unique brewing story alongside Balashi brewmaster Buchi. The attraction highlights how Aruba transformed from an island once referred to as the “Useless Island” into the birthplace of one of the Caribbean’s most recognized beers.
According to the developers, the Balashi Beer Experience goes beyond beer history by showcasing Aruba’s culture, heritage, and people. The attraction reflects values such as family, hard work, creativity, and community spirit that are closely associated with Aruba’s identity.
The walk-through experience will feature 12 themed scenes inspired by iconic aspects of Aruba, including traditional cunucu homes, the Caribbean Sea, and Arikok National Park. Guests will encounter immersive audiovisual presentations, interactive exhibits, scenic environments, special effects, and engaging gameplay throughout the attraction.
Admission will also include two complimentary Balashi beers for visitors.
The project is an initiative of MetaCorp, one of Aruba’s oldest and most diversified companies. To bring the attraction to life, MetaCorp partnered with Sandenburg Experiences and a team of internationally recognized developers specializing in immersive entertainment attractions.
Developers describe the Balashi Beer Experience as a unique Caribbean attraction designed to appeal to tourists, local residents, and entertainment industry professionals from across the region.
The project is also creating new employment opportunities. Recruitment efforts are underway for guides and staff members who will help deliver the visitor experience. Interested applicants can submit applications through Gloria Aruba’s social media platforms.
Officials believe the Balashi Beer Experience will not only strengthen Aruba’s tourism offerings but also increase pride in one of the island’s most famous local products while providing visitors with a memorable cultural experience.
Update — October 1, 2026: First press look at the Afl. 30 million attraction
Local media got a first look on Thursday morning at The Balashi Beer Experience, MetaCorp’s new attraction at Gloria in Oranjestad. According to CEO Eddie de Veer, the project represents an investment of Afl. 30 million and 30 months of development, from idea to its current phase just before opening.
De Veer explained that the concept was born during a conversation between three people, when MetaCorp CFO Guus proposed creating an experience inspired by similar attractions in the Netherlands. Within 24 hours, the team had contacted the Dutch firm Sandenburg, specialists in designing this type of experience, which took charge of the design and development under Marcus’s direction.
Twenty local companies participated in bringing the project to life, and 17 new jobs were created under Gloria. De Veer noted the specialized nature of the work: “It is not the construction of a house or a cinema. You will understand more when you take the tour.”
The venue is fully accessible to people in wheelchairs, with an elevator connecting the different levels. The attraction opens on October 4.
