Plantation house
Mongui Maduro Museum renovated
After a thorough renovation of 2 years, the museum in Landhuis Rooi Catootje, reopened on 25 May 2021.
Treasure of history
Plantation house “Rooi Catootje”, located in one of Curaçao’s busiest residential areas, does not instantly catch one’s eye. Set back from the road, surrounded by a wooded area, it is passed daily by many who do not realize that the house and its collection represent a unique historical monument. Not only for Curaçao, but also for the Caribbean.
Dating from about 1735 the mansion was built on the plantation known as “Rust en Vrede” (Rest & Peace).
The name was changed into “Rooi Catootje” around 1830.
The house and plantation have been owned by the Maduro family since 1853, when S.E.L. Maduro (Manchi) bought it as a gift for his wife Rebecca Curiel. That is how Rooi Catootje became the family’s country residence.
Plantation house Rooi Catootje, typical Curacao architecture
Rooi Catootje is considered an outstanding example of the typical architecture of a Curaçao plantation house. It’s rectangular, two-story central building is completely surrounded on the lower floor by closed galleries and, on three sides, by terraces.
Its location is similar to the placement of other plantation houses in Curaçao.
First, it was built on the top of a hill in order to catch as much breeze as possible; second it is on view of at least two other “Landhuizen”. Such a view was essential for security reasons, as it permitted the owners to send or receive word of impending threats, amongst each other.
Of particular interest to those involved in shipping, as Mongui was, the semaphore on Fort Nassau could be read from the front porch of “Landhuis Rooi Catootje”. Thus, he was able to follow the movements of ships entering and leaving the harbor, from his porch.
Ernest Jacky Voges Monument Award
On January 25th 2024, Mongui Maduro Foundation was rewarded with the “Ernest Jacky Voges” Monument Award for excellence in restauration of Landhuis Rooi Catootje. The award was appointed by Monumentenzorg Curaçao.
In addition to this award, Marianne Cats painted this beautiful painting of Landhuis Rooi Catootje.