A Bold New Mural is Lighting Up Curaçao’s Brion City Hotel
In the heart of Willemstad, a splash of color has turned an ordinary wall into something unforgettable. The new mural rises up with vibrant strokes, a mix of symbols and faces that instantly capture the spirit of Curaçao. It’s the work of local artist Santa Gross, who drew from the island’s people, its wildlife, and its resilient flora to create a piece that feels both personal and universal.
At the center is the face of a young woman, a portrait meant to embody Curaçao’s people — resilient, diverse, and proud of their history.
Beside her, the familiar Chuchubi bird takes flight, a detail that resonates with anyone who has spent time listening to its call in the island breeze. Across the mural, the golden petals of the Kibrahacha bloom bring a burst of warmth and depth.
For locals, the flower is a symbol of endurance, tied to the cycles of life and renewal that shape island living.
Gross explained her approach simply: “Me inspiré en varios elementos de la isla… el rostro de una chica en representación de la gente de Curaçao, el pájaro típico Chuchubi, y la flor amarilla Kibrahacha. Símbolo de resistencia y una hermosa representación de la historia de Curaçao.”
Now anchoring Brion City Hotel’s courtyard, the mural has shifted the energy of the space. Guests often pause to take it in, sometimes framing it in photos before heading out to explore the island. Locals see more than decoration — they see pieces of their own story retold in paint. What began as a blank canvas has become a touchpoint, connecting visitors and residents alike to Curaçao’s culture in a way that feels authentic, grounded, and alive.
Planning a trip to the Brion? It has rates for just $100 per night — one of the best values on the island.
Caitlin Sullivan began her career with Caribbean Journal as Arts and Culture editor before shifting to travel full time. She writes frequently on the Caribbean cruise industry, flight networks and broader travel news. Her most frequent Caribbean destination? Nassau.