Curaçao is celebrating 25 Years of #Willemstad on the #UNESCO World Heritage List. Local artist Giovani Zanolino talks about what this means for him and the specific building he is in.

The UNESCO World Heritage List is one of the best moves Curaçao has made for its future authenticity and vitality. Other islands just build concrete soulless structures at low cost without having a long-term vision.

I am currently in one of the monuments that give me an even deeper connection with our city’s heritage. It is something that should be celebrated big and boldly by the island. I think Curaçao did a great job by turning these monuments into functional buildings that keep their historical value. To understand the future you need to respect the past.

What do you use the building for?
We started renovating the building over 2 years ago and we have been in the building now for 16 months. It is a gallery and atelier and is available to rent for private events, workshops, company activities, and much more.

How are you enjoying the building?
I love the old structure and old tiles of Pietermaai 33 and 35, it looks like a very beautiful dollhouse. Hundreds of people stop to take pictures every week and tourists enjoy it.  I love the fact that the building was a brothel in the past, used by an airline company, and that gives it so much historic value.

Whom would you like to see more in the area?
I would love to see more creative and local entrepreneurs in the area. Having more local ownership of buildings gives it a higher local flavor. Have more diversity besides only HORECA and residential use of the buildings.

How would like to see the development of the area continue?
Especially since it is our inner city, I would love to see us export more of our culture and create experiences for visitors and locals. By doing these things, tourists get a very good impression about our people, island, and culture in general. These are important steps to help create a truly well-rounded cultural experience with art, food, architecture, and music.

Finally, I would like to see more initiatives in the form of events and activities coming from locals and the government. Of course, foreign investment is important but since we are exporting culture from this area, it should maintain a Curaçao local feeling.

Click here to know more about our local monuments.