5 Best Museums in Vanuatu

If there's only one museum that you manage to visit in Vanuatu, make it the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, also known as the National Museum.

Housed in a stunning traditional building right across from the parliament, the museum beautifully displays its collection of traditional artefacts, including tamtam (slit drums), outrigger canoes, ceremonial headdresses, shell jewellery and examples of Lapita and Wusi pottery.

Don't miss the fascinating photographic display documenting the unearthing of Chief Roi Mata's burial site, which offers incredible insights into this UNESCO World Heritage archaeological discovery. The one-hour guided tours are worth considering, bringing the cultural heritage to life with traditional instrument demonstrations and sand drawing presentations.

Located right in the entrance hall, the museum shop is a treasure trove with an excellent selection of exclusive gifts, carved souvenirs, locally designed t-shirts, posters and books. All proceeds support the museum's ongoing collection development.

We've found that this museum serves as the perfect bridge between past and present, and is a good place to visit and learn early in your trip, helping you understand and appreciate cultural traditions while sparking curiosity.

The Vanuatu Cultural Centre is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, with a small entry fee.

Over on Vanuatu's largest island, Santo, take a look at some tangible relics from the past at the ever-expanding South Pacific WWII Museum in Luganville.

Your visit kicks off with the museum's significant location, where tranquil coconut plantations were once transformed into Base Button, the largest military base in the South Pacific during World War II.

This small museum preserves the legacy of over 500,000 service members who passed through Vanuatu during the war, showcasing an extensive collection of World War II memorabilia and artefacts.

Founded by passionate locals, the museum honours the birthplace of "Tales of the South Pacific" and the legendary heroism of aviators, soldiers and sailors. Plans are underway to create a larger, world-class facility that will preserve this remarkable history for future generations of Ni-Vanuatu and visitors worldwide.

For those of you only visiting the main island, Efate, but don't want to miss out on the WW2 action, the World War II Memorabilia Mini-Museum is an unofficial collection of artefacts that's worth a quick peruse.

This heartfelt tribute to Vanuatu's WWII history feels more like visiting a passionate friend than a traditional museum.

This intimate one-room collection showcases evocative wartime memorabilia lovingly curated by Mark, who continues his grandfather's legacy with genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge.

You'll discover fascinating artefacts and hear captivating stories about how the collection began and continues to grow today. The museum's charm lies in its personal touch; Mark's passion for preserving his country's history is palpable, and his quirky additions make each visit unique.

Whether you're circumnavigating Efate or staying in the Havannah area, this grassroots museum offers an interesting glimpse into Vanuatu's wartime past.

We can't complete this list of museums in Vanuatu without mentioning the "living museums" of Vanuatu, which are its culture villages.

"Culture Villages" are the name given to attractions that are set up for tourists to showcase some of the traditions of specific tribes and villages in Vanuatu.

Some excellent examples of culture villages include:

• Ekasup Culture Village (Port Vila) offers what we'd call the full Melanesian experience. You'll get hands-on with traditional cooking methods (we're talking earth ovens and coconut husking), discover intricate local crafts, and gain a real understanding of the beliefs and customs that shape daily life for the Ni-Vanuatu people.
• Pepeyo Culture Village (Port Vila) showcases the culture of the people of Futuna Island in the south of Vanuatu. The experience takes you to eight different stations covering chiefs, the tagi (weeping), gods, natural alarms and more.
• Emaio Culture Village (Tanna) is where you'll truly appreciate the harmony between the villagers and their stunning natural surroundings. Join in traditional dances and songs, and don't miss the chance to enjoy an authentic Vanuatu feast during your visit.
• Leweton Cultural Village (Santo) is where villagers will show you unique water dances, intricate wood carvings, and the famous sand drawing art form that's unique to Vanuatu.

Learn more about these villages, as well as kastom villages (see below) in the 10 Best Cultural Villages in Vanuatu LINK#TTD666.

Locations: All over Vanuatu! See the link above for recommendations and their locations.

Price Range: $$

Finally, something slightly different to "Cultural Villages" but still worth mentioning, are the "Kastom Villages" or more villages where life is lived more traditionally in Vanuatu.

Kastom villages are a bit more down-to-earth than "Cultural Villages", as they are places where locals genuinely live. Experiences range from a simple walking tour to hands-on activities like basket weaving, cultural dancing and kava ceremonies.

• Yakel Kastom Village (Tanna) is an untouched tribal society that gained international fame after being featured in the movie "Tanna." The village offers an incredible window into ancient kastom traditions that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
• Fanla Kastom Village (Ambrym) is a remote and authentic village who are known for their legendary Rom Dance Festival.
• Motalava Kastom Village (Motalava) makes exploring an authentic Vanuatuan village accessible through guided walking tours.

For more cultural experiences, don't miss the 10 Best Cultural Activities in Vanuatu LINK#TTD002.

Locations: All over Vanuatu! See the 10 Best Cultural Villages in Vanuatu LINK#TTD666 for recommendations and their locations.

Price Range: $$