Welcome to Rooi Catootje

The official home of the SAL (Mongui) Maduro Foundation. From the historic Landhuis Rooi Catootje that now houses the treasured collections in the Mongui Maduro Museum and the rich literary legacy of the Mongui Maduro Library, we preserve and share the stories that shaped Curaçao.

Our mission is to protect, restore, and celebrate the cultural, architectural, and natural heritage entrusted to us. Through exhibitions, research, education, and community engagement, we invite you to experience the island’s history in a meaningful and inspiring way. Discover our collections. Explore our historic estate. Connect with our heritage.

Plan your visit

Historic House Museum in Curaçao; Mongui Maduro

Explore one of the most preserved 19th-century plantation houses in Willemstad. Located at the historic Landhuis Rooi Catootje, our museum offers a unique window into the island’s history and cultural heritage. Wander through the authentic estate, discover rare antiques, and experience the legacy of the Maduro family.

Library in Curaçao; Mongui Maduro

Maduro’s lifelong quest for information forms the nucleus of the unique collection of the Mongui Maduro Library.

Events & Exhibitions

Our historic estate offers a beautiful setting for intimate gatherings, cultural programs, and special celebrations. From receptions on the landhuis terrace to nature-inspired moments in the hòfi, every event becomes part of our living heritage. The library often has events such as informative lectures that highlight the collection. The temporary exhibitions also showcase the pearls in the collection. Like this one about Brionplein, which is also online available with a click on the picture.

Our tours

Self-Guided Tour

Wander through the historic plantation house and museum galleries at your own pace. This option gives you full access to the estate, the contemporary library, and the lush garden. Perfect for those who want to take their time and soak in the atmosphere.

Museum Admission – 10USD / 18 XCG

Expert Guided Tour

Bring history to life with a personal guide. Hear the hidden stories of the Maduro family, the Jewish heritage of Curaçao, and the secrets of the plantation architecture. Our experts will reveal fascinating details you might miss on your own.

Museum guided tour – 15USD / 27 XCG

Taste & Tour Package

The ultimate cultural delight. Combine your museum visit with a culinary experience. After your tour, stroll next door to the historic Marcus Antonius Restaurant for an exclusive tasting menu on the terrace, surrounded by nature.

Museum guided tour – 15 USD / 27 XCG
Tasting – 20 USD / 35 XCG
COMBO DEAL – 30 USD / 54 XCG

Plantation of Willemstad: "LandHuis Rooi Catootje"

Plantation Rooi Catootje

The plantation known as Rust en Vree (Peace and Tranquillity) was established in the early 1700s, encompassing 30 acres. Come the 19th century, it was rechristened as Rooi Catootje or Rooi Catochi, drawing its new name from a ‘rooi’—a natural channel for rainwater drainage situated along its eastern perimeter. The reasons behind the renaming of the estate and the origin of the name Catochi or Catootje (which is reminiscent of a Dutch feminine name), remain shrouded in mystery

Rooi Catootje Estate

The property is home to several heritage structures. Nestled within, is the Mongui Maduro historic house museum, which is housed in the former plantation house. The traditional Curaçaoan Kunuku house, along with a bathhouse, is undergoing restoration and is slated to welcome visitors by the close of 2024.

Garden & Hofi

Garden

The grounds encircling the estate teem with a variety of small wildlife and host an array of vegetation, including the succulent Aloe Vera and fruit-bearing trees such as the Mango. The walkways, designed to be an essential element of the landscape, meander gracefully rather than run straight, tracing the natural undulations of the terrain, weaving between trees, and inviting visitors deeper into the verdant embrace. Wander these paths on foot to bask in the tranquil atmosphere. Ena Dankmeijer's vision was dedicated to the conservation of this natural splendor and to imparting environmental wisdom to future generations.

Hofi of Rooi Catootje

A large green area named hofi, with its own dam system, was used in the past to store water during the rainy seasons. After being 20 years out of order, we have started to restore the 3 dams and to open the hofi back up for visitors. Kasper Lendering: "In 2024, several local organizations, including AWA-Consult, are joining forces in a project called 'Awa pa Kòrsou', which aims to restore historic waterworks in Curaçao. This initiative, supported by subsidies from the Dutch government and the Stichting Monumentfonds Curaçao, focuses on tackling climate-related challenges such as droughts, heat stress and flooding. Through the restoration of waterworks in areas such as Savonet, Zevenbergen and Rooi Catootje, the project aims to reduce the impacts of climate change on the island." Kasper is tasked with the coordination of the restoration of the historic waterworks in the area of Rooi Catootje in Curaçao.