Musée de Tahiti et des Îles, Cultural museum in Punaʻauiʻa, French Polynesia
The Musée de Tahiti et des Îles is a cultural museum in Punaauia on Tahiti that sits on a point overlooking the ocean and displays exhibitions about the people of the Pacific. The building holds several galleries with artworks, archaeological finds, and ethnographic objects from French Polynesia.
The museum was founded in 1974 and sits on land that held spiritual importance for island people long before that. This location connects the modern displays with the historical roots of the region.
The collections display everyday objects that show how Polynesians lived and worked, including fishing tools, dyed fabrics, and jewelry made from shells and bone. These items reveal the skills and knowledge that shaped life across the islands.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, giving visitors time to explore the galleries at their own pace. Audio guides and information panels help you understand the objects on display.
The collection includes the Maro'ura, a royal garment that symbolized the highest authority in island society and was returned after a long absence. This rare piece is one of the most valued objects in the entire collection.
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