6 Best Museums (& Living Museums) in Vanuatu

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

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.

The museum features several fascinating displays that bring Vanuatu's history to life. Look out for the striking painting depicting Vanuatu's first animals, and the powerful blackbirding display documenting the tragic period when people from Queensland kidnapped Ni-Vanuatu people. The sacred headdresses from Malekula LINK#D035 are particularly impressive – these ceremonial pieces were traditionally worn when electing or promoting leaders.

The guided tours are definitely worth considering, with knowledgeable staff available to help visitors understand the cultural significance of the displays. When cruise ships arrive, the museum also hosts extended presentations in its dedicated area, such as sand drawing demonstrations that used to be as communication between communities.

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.

The Vanuatu Cultural Centre is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, with Saturday hours from 9 am to 12 pm.

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 in Unity Park, where tranquil coconut plantations were once transformed into the largest military base in the South Pacific during World War Two. Between 1942 and 1945, around half a million personnel passed through Espiritu Santo on their way to and from the front lines.

This small museum preserves its legacy, showcasing the world's largest collection of SS President Coolidge artefacts, including the ship's bell and main whistle. The extensive displays feature authentic memorabilia recovered from Santo: uniforms, hats from various military branches, weapons, gas masks, eating utensils, and instructional pamphlets from the war era. A door from the USS Strong shipwreck adds to the maritime history, while detailed dioramas recreate the seaplane bases and bomber airfields that once dominated the landscape.

Wall displays share stories of significant military figures and local wartime history, including tales of the infamous Dancing Bear Club that operated on Luganville's Main Street. The collection also includes a "Culture Corner" with indigenous Lapita pottery, connecting the island's ancient heritage with its pivotal role in Pacific military history.

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 WW2 history feels more like visiting a passionate friend than a traditional museum. Open daily from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, this intimate one-room collection showcases evocative wartime memorabilia lovingly curated by local Mark, who continues his grandfather's remarkable 40-year collecting legacy with genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge.

You'll discover fascinating artefacts recovered from local reefs and wrecks, including Mark's prized recent finds like the guns he discovered in 2017. The museum's charm lies in its personal touch and unique stories, particularly the impressive collection of American Coca-Cola bottles that Mark's grandfather specialised in gathering. Each bottle bears different city and state names on the bottom, from New York to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Eureka, California, creating an unexpected window into wartime America.

Mark's passion for preserving his country's history is palpable, and his intimate knowledge of each piece's origin makes every visit captivating. Whether you're circumnavigating Efate or staying in the Havannah area, this grassroots museum offers a deeply personal glimpse into Vanuatu's wartime past that you'll struggle to find elsewhere on Vanuatu's main island.

Step into the fascinating history of modern Vanuatu at the Malekula Cultural Centre, where the remarkable story of Lakatoro's founding comes to life.

This cultural gem has a significant focus on the legacy of Darvall Wilkins, the British District Agent who transformed an overgrown coconut plantation into what became the administrative heart of Malekula in 1963.

The centre offers visitors an immersive journey through Vanuatu's colonial period and path to independence, featuring exhibits about Wilkins' extraordinary 20-year service and his deep connection to the local community. The exhibits highlight the transformation of Lakatoro from wilderness to a bustling district station that housed over 250 families by 1971, complete with schools, markets and the popular Metmet Club.

Beyond the Darvall Wilkins tribute, museum-goers can check out historical outrigger canoes, headresses from the Small Nambas and other historical tools and weapons once used (and some still are) by Malekula's kastom communities.

Outside, don't miss the tomb of Darvall Wilkins, who was buried next to some significant ceremonial (nasara) stones.

The Malekula Cultural Centre is open from 8 am to 12 pm, then 1 pm to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Note that there is a very small entry fee.

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 communities in Vanuatu.

Some excellent examples of culture villages include:

• Jiarofa Agritourism Village (Port Vila) takes you through four to five different stations from plantation workshops to harvesting and preparing crops, culminating with firewalking and an upbeat music show.
• 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. Learn about various hunting methods and watch a vibrant show and firewalking.
• 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.
• Santo Fire Walks (Santo) brings the traditions of Pentecost to the big island with energetic dancing, kava-tasting, food-preparation, sand drawing and more!

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

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.
• Pui Lodge & Tours (Santo) takes you to kastom villages in Santo through their day and multi-day hikes like the Fanafotua Manbush Trail.
• 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 for recommendations and their locations.

Price Range: $$