WILLEMSTAD - The long-damaged Sentro Pro Arte, one of Curaçao’s most iconic cultural landmarks, will be demolished starting Monday, November 17, marking the end of an era for the island’s artistic community.
The Schouwburg Curaçao Foundation, which manages the site, confirmed that the demolition will be carried out by experienced specialists under a detailed action plan recently approved by the Labor Inspectorate and the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN). The project is expected to be completed by mid-December, just before the construction holiday period.
Safety and environmental precautions
The demolition has been carefully planned to guarantee safety and minimize disruption for nearby residents and traffic. The once-vibrant building suffered severe damage over the years, including two major fires, the most recent in 2021, and is now in such poor condition that collapse is considered imminent.
There are also suspicions of asbestos contamination, making controlled demolition the only responsible option to prevent further health and safety risks.
Cultural legacy remembered
For decades, Sentro Pro Arte served as a hub for artistic expression and community life in Curaçao. It hosted countless cultural events, performances, and exhibitions, becoming a place of deep emotional significance for generations of residents.
Recognizing that heritage, the foundation emphasized that the demolition will be carried out with care and respect. “We are saying farewell responsibly to a building of great historical and emotional value,” the organization said in a statement.
Minimal disruption for residents
Authorities and the foundation have taken measures to limit noise and traffic inconvenience. Work will take place during appropriate hours, and the transport of demolition materials will follow pre-established routes, preferably on weekends, to reduce traffic disruptions in the area.
The demolition of Sentro Pro Arte marks the end of a historic chapter in Curaçao’s cultural landscape — and, perhaps, the beginning of new opportunities for the island’s future artistic spaces.
