Museum of Tahiti

The Museum of Tahiti is a fascinating institution that describes the history of Tahiti and the other 118 islands of French Polynesia. Learn about the customs and traditions of this intriguing part of the world. Admire the spectacular scenery of the two lagoons and the ocean that border this museum and its picturesque gardens.

For a sense of Tahiti’s history, explore the ethnographic collections. See the stone tools, such as blades and sharpeners. Other instruments, such as knives and needles, were made from stone, shells, coral or wood. Learn about basketry and weaving and examine the various ornaments and costumes used by indigenous Polynesians.

See the natural environment area for an ornithological collection featuring hundreds of stuffed birds. This part of the museum also has a charming shell collection and a herbarium.

Pick out your favorite work from the 3,000 artifacts in the fine arts collection. These pieces are mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries and include engravings from explorer James Cook’s journal. Attend some of the temporary exhibits, which usually last for several months and cover such themes as Tahiti explorers, written word and photography.

Admire the array of plants and flowers in the landscape garden. It contains informative plaques about species endemic to the island, some of which are endangered. Gaze up at the paper mulberry tree and the kawa tree.

Browse the intriguing items on display in the shop, such as jewelry, handicrafts, books and traditional clothes.

Note that the site’s full name is the Museum of Tahiti and its Islands. It opened in its current form in 1979, as part of the Polynesian Centre for Human Sciences.

The Museum of Tahiti is on Cape Nu’uroa in the Puna’auia commune on the western coast of Tahiti. Arrive at the Faa’a International Airport and drive south for 15 minutes to get here. Leave your car in the museum’s small parking lot. Visit nearby sights, such as the Saint-Étienne Parish of Puna’auia and the Tamanu Centre Commercial.