museum of tahiti and the islands

The Museum of Tahiti and the Islands is a bit of a trip, being on the other side of the island of Tahiti from Papeete, but is worth the trip as part of a sightseeing excursion around the island. It is a fairly small museum, but has a lot of interesting displays, including an anchor that is apparently from one of Capt. Cook's ships. Also, there are a good number of artifacts and a lot of information on the culture of the ancient Tahitians.

The Musée de Tahiti et des Iles was a short walk from Le Meridien hotel, and we were so glad we went there. We focused on the exhibits that explained the migration of the Polynesian people, the languages, the formation of the islands, and the early history of the European arrival and then dominance. There are also many artifacts such as canoes, spears and weapons, although in that kind of hot wet environment, plant-based things don't survive centuries very well. While there, we caught the tail end of the temporary exhibit "Tapa d’Océanie d’hier et d’aujourd’hui". It had Tapa pieces made by contemporary artists using traditional techniques to make cloth from tree bark and paint decorative patterns on the material. That was an excellent exhibit and there are some photos on the museum's website.

There are items that are hundreds of years old displayed in an organized interesting manner. The museum is small and can be fully enjoyed in less than an hour. There is a $6.00 entrance fee.

Goes over the beginning of the islands geology, progresses to flora and fauna wrapping up with the islands people's, history and traditions. A nice outdoor garden with indigenous plants. Overall well worth a visit. We took the local bus from Papeete center (Paea) cost 300 Polynesian francs.

I truly enjoyed visiting this museum. It is well explained and the exhibition offers both polynesian artefacts (ancient and old) and book, writings, art about French Polynesia over the last two centuries

For our first visit to French Polynesia, we were looking for more than a guidebook or Wikipedia introduction. This museum certainly filled the need. Take any bus westbound from Papeete other than those headed to Faa'a. We were charged 250 xpf although the visitor center told us it would be 300xpf. Visitor Center also said we had to catch at the stop near the cathedral, but we found that it stopped all along Rue du Gen deGaulle and whatever that street becomes west of the CBD. It's roughly 30-40 minute bus ride depending on traffic. Bus driver was helpful, giving us a one-stop heads up prior to our stop. Some have said museum is hard to find--NOT true. Simply head down street from the Total gas station, then right at the "T" where a large sign directs you the last 100 yards.The displays are well-organized, moving from geology to natural history to pre-European history and colonial period to present. up until European arrival the displays really address the entire South Pacific. I was hoping for a few more pre-European artifacts, but the displays cover all topics one could.. look for. We found the museum merited more than two hours. Gift store prices were 20% higher than same items in Papeete central market. Return trip was easy. I'm not certain of bus frequency, but we waited less than ten minutes for the return.

This well organized and spacious museum has excellent exhibits regarding the formation of the South Pacific islands, the migrations of its people, and their cultures. There ware many artifacts to demonstrate the artifacts and practices covered in the general exhibits. Most exhibits have brief English descriptions, much shorter than the French descriptions. Anyone with significant interest in the South Pacific should enjoy this museum.

This museum is well-organized and the exhibits flow well. It covers all aspects of French Polnesia from geology and biology trough the human settlement and history There is a gift shop.

This museum makes an effort to maintain the regular exhibition of Pacific history and navigation but there are usually good quality temporary exhibits. It's worth the entrance fee and there is plenty of parking. Great views of Moorea from the garden.Prime property and the access road has been recently revamped.

This museum was a short walk from our hotel (Le Meridien) so we went one overcast afternoon. 600 CFP to get in....about $6. It's nicely arranged and some sections were interesting. If you are in the area & looking for something to do for an hour stop in but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit it.

nice garden area, spacious inside with multi lingual descriptions next to displays. I liked it as it is part of my heritage but you would have to like polynesian history to enjoy this museum

Nice location near the surfers' beach, provides a good overview of tahiti's history, geography, culture, etc.

Sadly, one room was closed when I was there but entry is cheap and well worth it. The gardens are enjoyable too.

For the topic of Tahiti, it's geological formation, settlement and ancient culture, flora and fauna and European colonization, these sometimes aging displays covers it all.

Allow yourself a good hour or so, if you like museums, as this one is very good.There is a lot of information and also many exhibits which are extremely good and very well done and laid out. Lots of things from early times of the Polynesian islands - from geography to the way of life of the peoples. Also lots of models, etc. of the early visitors and later migration of peoples to these islands. The clothing, tools, weapons, adornment artifacts, etc. are great. There is even a section of present day integration with the French.