Marco Crisciotti San Nicolas, the world capital of street art in Aruba: an open-air museum where spectacular murals tell stories, emotions and cultures from all over the world
Table of contents
Aruba, the “One Happy Island,” is a showpiece of Caribbean waters: deep blues fading into vibrant turquoises and ivory-colored beaches that epitomize tropical paradise. But beneath the dreamy postcard image, there’s a rich tapestry of landscapes, stories, and cultures beyond what a Caribbean getaway might look like.
Off the beaten path lies the real Aruba-a territory carved by a unique geography, built layer by layer with a rich history, and developed as a complex culture well beyond the stereotype of a vacation haven.
One of the most special hidden treasures on this island is the pulsating town of San Nicolas.
San Nicolas: an open-air street art gallery
The small town of San Nicolas, lying in the east of Aruba, has seen a complete transformation in the last couple of years. From a rather quiet place, it has grown into a hotspot of modern street art, all over the globe, thanks to one far-reaching project headed by Mr. Tito Bolivar, founder and curator of the Aruba Art Fair.
More than 80 street artists from all over the world have contributed to this initiative, turning San Nicolas into an open-air museum where walls tell stories of emotions, cultures, and communities.
A dream of art led by Tito Bolivar
Mr. Tito Bolivar is the driving force behind this cultural revolution. His ambition to renew the town by means of art has been joined by internationally acclaimed artists participating in this bold project. Under his leadership, San Nicolas became a sprawling outdoor gallery and a hot spot for Aruba’s artistic community.
His gallery, in the heart of town, has now become the central meeting point for the artists on the island. Bolivar’s work is incessant, making San Nicolas one big area of experimentation and creativity.
Murals that narrate the stories of the town and its ppeople
A stroll through the streets of San Nicolas, and on every wall, one discovers a different masterpiece. These murals are much more than decorative; they are visual narrations that intertwine local and global stories, creating a dialogue between art and community.
One of the most striking works is by famous Neapolitan street artist Jorit. Characteristic of his style, Jorit made a portrait that is much more than a work of art: a tribute to the local community and a preservation of its collective memory.
A living and evolving museum
San Nicolas is a museum without boundaries or permanence. Its murals evolve and overlap, ensuring that every visit offers fresh discoveries. This ever-changing landscape turns the town into a living, breathing organism of artistic expression.
The success of San Nicolas goes far beyond its stunning visuals. The murals are part of an urban regeneration project that has involved the whole community. Artists work with residents to create a shared narrative to which everyone can relate, making art accessible and relevant to all.
