Construction of the Aruba Technical School began in 1950, the school opened in 1952 and was inaugurated officially by Queen Juliana in 1955.

After construction of the southern wing in 1952, the two-story northern wing was built in 1953. The construction in this pre-A/C era was focused on keeping the sun out and letting the wind through the rooms, creating shadows where possible.

Over the decades, tens of thousands of students received their technical education at this institution, thus creating an essential labor force on the island.

The building was declared a national monument in 2010. The school has been recognized for its architectural-historic value, its topological and situational value, its scientific and practical contribution to the island, and its ethnological value.

When new school types were established in Aruba, the technical education became part of the E.P.B. (‘Basic Professional Education’) and the E.P.I. (‘Intermediate Professional Education’) in new school buildings. The JFK School building stood empty for decades, while plans were made for restoration and future destination.

As of 2011, plans were developed for the restoration of the building, which started in 2018. The restored building was extended with a modern two-story wing, made out of steel and glass, contrasting in style with the historic construction from the 1950s.

In 2021 the Department of Education, the Inspectorate of Education,  the Bureau of Compulsory Education, the Public School Board and UNESCO Aruba moved into the John F. Kennedy Education Center.
The Directorate of Culture followed in 2022.