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Kura Hulanda Co-Founder John Padget Dies at 89Photo: Nu.cw
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Kura Hulanda Co-Founder John Padget Dies at 89

Source: Nu.cw·1 hour ago·Curaçao·1 min read

John Padget, co-founder of the iconic Kura Hulanda hotel and museum complex in Curaçao, passed away Tuesday evening at the age of 89. The American entrepreneur died in his home city of Key West, Florida. Kura Hulanda, which translates to 'Dutch Courtyard' in Papiamento, was developed in the historic Otrobanda district of Willemstad and became one of the island's most celebrated cultural landmarks. The complex is particularly known for its museum dedicated to the transatlantic slave trade, which drew international attention and helped position Curaçao as a destination for heritage tourism. Padget co-founded the project alongside Dutch businessman Jacob Gelt Dekker, and together they transformed a collection of crumbling colonial buildings into a world-class resort and cultural institution. His death marks the loss of a key figure in Curaçao's tourism and cultural preservation history.

Key Facts
  • John Padget, co-founder of Kura Hulanda, died Tuesday evening at the age of 89.
  • He passed away in Key West, Florida, where he resided.
  • Kura Hulanda is a landmark hotel and museum complex in Willemstad, Curaçao, known for its slave trade museum.
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