WILLEMSTAD - After nearly six decades as one of Curaçao’s most cherished cultural landmarks, the curtain has officially fallen on Sentro Pro Arte. The historic theater building — long considered the heart of music, performance, and the arts on the island — was dismantled over the weekend in a fully controlled and carefully supervised operation.
The foundation’s board announced that demolition was carried out in strict compliance with all safety, environmental, and public-health regulations. Inspectors from both the Labour Inspectorate and the Public Health, Environment and Nature Inspectorate oversaw the work to ensure that the process protected workers, residents, and the surrounding environment.
A Cultural Era Comes to an End
Since its inauguration in 1965, Sentro Pro Arte served as an indispensable pillar of Curaçao’s cultural life. Generations of performers graced its stage, and audiences experienced countless high-quality concerts, plays, and community events — always concluding with a standing ovation as the curtain fell.
This time, however, the final curtain was for the building itself.
Careful, Safe, and Environmentally Responsible Demolition
The structure had suffered extensive damage in recent years — including two fires and suspected asbestos contamination — leaving it in a dangerous state and at risk of collapse. Given the severity of the deterioration, the foundation concluded that demolition was the only responsible option to protect public safety.
Professionals conducted the dismantling under strict supervision and with measures in place to limit disruption:
Noise and traffic disturbances were minimized through strategic planning.
Dust reduction measures were implemented to protect residents and passersby.
Materials were sorted on-site and prepared for safe transport through predetermined routes next weekend.
Waste will be handled sustainably in collaboration with Selikor, with recyclable materials separated to reduce environmental impact.
A Respectful Farewell to a Cultural Icon
The board of the Sentro Pro Arte Foundation expressed gratitude to all individuals, organizations, and government agencies that assisted in ensuring the demolition occurred without harm to people or the environment.
With the building now dismantled, Curaçao says goodbye to the “Grand Dame” of theater, music, and the arts — a place that shaped the island’s cultural identity for nearly 60 years.
The demolition marks the close of one era, even as the community looks ahead to new opportunities for cultural development on the island.