The magnificent Tjibaou Cultural Centre
The Tjibaou Cultural Centre is just 10 minutes from the city centre. It was designed by award-winning architect Renzo Piano, one of the masters of modern architecture, who brilliantly merged Kanak design with modern architecture. It is now a cultural reference point for the entire South Pacific, offering the visitor a unique collection of contemporary art from the Pacific region, as well as exciting Melanesian and Polynesian artistic and historic displays. While the architecture and environment alone is worth a visit.
The Kanak artefacts displayed in the Bwénaado Hut and the monumental Oceanic works designed especially for the Jinu Hut, present the visitor with a fascinating cultural journey. The Bérétara Room displays a collection of contemporary art from the Pacific region which is unique in the world.
Nouméa also has several other superb museums that display a unique history:
The Museum of New Caledonia is a real voyage to the heart of the traditions of this wonderful land. The Museum concentrates on the historyof the Kanak and Oceanic populations and transports you to the heart of Melanesia. Displays include a magnificent collection of ancient sculptures, funeral masks and various objects retracing all aspects of social life, including pottery, finery, jewellery, Kanak money, canoes, weapons and other objects.
The Nouméa Municipal Museum is housed in an historic Colonial style building and is situated within the walls of the Marchand Bank which was constructed in 1874 and would later become the old town hall. The permanent exhibition retraces the history of Nouméa, including the establishment of the town in 1854, the convict settlement period, the foundations of New Caledonian society, Oceania’s memories of World War One and so much more. An historical garden provides an intimate and colourful space outside the museum. Here you can smell the flora which perfumed Nouméa at the beginning of last century and you can have an introduction to our unique world of flowers.
The Maritime History Museum is situated on the quays of the port area. The permanent exhibition covers several important periods: the first sailors in canoes; the great navigators, James Cook and La Pérouse; the sandalwood traders and the triangular trade; the nickel route and the period of the mineral sailing ships; and the American presence during the Second World War which made the Mainland of New Caledonia the largest aircraft base of the American Pacific division.
The Geological Museum is located within the nature house in the Michel-Corbasson Zoological and Forest Park, this museum displays the territory’s main minerals as well as those from around the world. A display is especially dedicated to nickel, still called ‘green gold’ as it is New Caledonia’s most lucrative resource.
