ARUBA MURALS MAP
The Murals of San Nicolas Aruba Outdoor Gallery
S an Nicolas isn’t just another stop on an Aruba itinerary, it’s one of the most vibrant open air art galleries in the entire Caribbean. Known as Aruba’s “Sunrise City,” this compact town on the southeastern tip of the island is home to over 40 large scale murals painted by world class artists from across the globe.
The transformation began in 2016, when local visionary Tito Bolivar, inspired by the street art scene in Bogotá organized the first Aruba Art Fair. He invited international and local artists to paint the weathered walls of a town that had been dormant since the Lago oil refinery closed in 1985. The results were stunning. Today, Forbes has recognized San Nicolas as the Caribbean’s Street Art Capital, and new murals are added every year at the annual Aruba Art FairAruba famous.
Once the island’s industrial hub, the “Sunrise City” has been transformed into the Street Art Capital of the Caribbean. Since the first Aruba Art Fair in 2016, world renowned artists have turned weathered walls into a massive, open air museum.
- 40+ Massive Murals: Explore a diverse collection ranging from hyper-realistic portraits to surreal 3D “trash art.”
- A Cultural Renaissance: Discover how local and international talent revitalized the historic streets of San Nicolas.
- Beyond the Beach: Immerse yourself in the soulful stories, island heritage, and creative spirit of Aruba’s most colorful district
Quick Facts about San Nicolas Mural Tour
- 📍Location San Nicolas, southeastern Aruba
- 🎨 Number of Murals 40+ (and growing each year)
- ⏱ Time Needed 1.5 – 2.5 hours self-guided
- 💰 Cost Free (no admission)
- 🚗 Drive from Oranjestad ~30 minutes
- 🅿️ Parking Near the police station on Bernhardstraat
- ☀️ Best Time to Visit Early morning (before 10am) for cooler temps + golden light
The Story Behind The Murals
San Nicolas was once Aruba’s most prosperous town. When Lago Oil Refinery once one of the largest in the world was at its peak, the town employed over 10,000 people and hummed with energy. When Exxon closed the refinery in 1985, San Nicolas slowly faded.
Three decades later, local artist and community organizer Tito Bolivar visited Colombia and was struck by Bogotá’s street art scene. He returned to San Nicolas determined to transform the abandoned walls of his hometown into something extraordinary. His vision: turn post industrial decline into a creative renaissance.
In 2016, he launched the first Aruba Art Fair, inviting dozens of local and international artists to paint the town’s walls. The event was a success beyond anyone’s expectations, and it’s been growing ever since. Artists from Portugal, Colombia, the Netherlands, the United States, and across the Caribbean have all left their mark on San Nicolas.