A landmark monument
The Tjibaou Cultural Centre was opened in 1998 on the peninsula of Tina, in the Matignon Accords street, as if to seal the story, since the center was provided for in the Matignon Agreements. At the origin of this incredible building: the famous architect Renzo Piano, author of the Pompidou center in Paris.
The architecture alone is worth the trip: made of different materials such as wood and steel, it manages to mix modernity and tradition in a poetic aesthetics.
The center is managed by the ADCK (Development Agency of Kanak Culture) which is committed to enhancing the Kanak heritage and highlighting the Pacific creativity in different artistic forms.
Fabulous architecture combining tradition and modernism
Lying on 8 hectares, the museum is organized around ten huts aligned along a driveway made of typical “colonnaire” pines, divided into three villages, each with a distinct function. The “huts” contain various exhibitions, one of them is dedicated to the life of Jean-Marie Tjibaou, frontman of the independence organisation “FLNKS” who worked much of his life for the recognition of the Kanak community and rights.
He was assassinated in 1989 and it was natural that the cultural center pays tribute to him by taking his name. A large statue of Tjibaou can also be found on the neighbouring hill.
At the back of the huts, you can walk along a path called “the Kanak path” that tells in five stages the story of the founder hero Tea Kanaké, first Kanak man. The shows of the Kanak path are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 14:30, giving life to this story.
Nature everywhere
The vegetation is very present on the trail and the site in general, to highlight the importance of nature in Kanak culture. The buildings themselves blend perfectly with the environment creating a true harmony.
The complex also includes a media center, a gift shop, cafeteria, library, theatres and botanical park with endemic species. Indeed, in addition to the permanent exhibitions, this place also offers many shows, conferences, exhibitions, making it a complete place, for the pleasure of young and old.
For a full tour of the site, it takes about 3 hours during which you’ll never get bored as the discovery of the Melanesian culture, so well represented and with care, will transport you.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm
Price: 500 CFP, free for children under 18 and seniors
Phone: +687 41 45 45