Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, Willemstad

The Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue highlights the long and influential history of the Jewish community in Curaçao, which traces its roots back to Spanish and Portuguese Jews who settled in the region in the 1500s. Consecrated in 1732, it is recognized as the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Americas, reflecting centuries of tradition and community life.

Its design pays tribute to the congregation’s Portuguese heritage. The interior was modeled after the well-known Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam, featuring classic architectural elements that help visitors understand the cultural connections between the Caribbean and Europe.

Next to the synagogue, the Jewish Cultural Historical Museum offers a deeper look into the island’s Jewish history. At the entrance, a timeline links key moments in Curaçao’s Jewish community with major world events, giving visitors helpful context about how this community developed and adapted over time.

Inside, the museum displays a wide collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that illustrate everyday life, religious traditions, and the community’s role in Curaçao’s history. Many of the items—more than 1,000 in total—are centuries old, and some are still used in the synagogue today. Together, the synagogue and the museum provide a meaningful look at a community that has played an important part in shaping the island’s identity.