Vanuatu National Museum (Vanuatu Cultural Centre)
Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta
A national museum showing slit drums, masks and ceremonial objects from islands across Vanuatu, where you can also watch performances of UNESCO-listed sand drawing.
The Vanuatu National Museum stands in central Port Vila, opposite the municipal council building, and belongs to the Vanuatu Cultural Centre. Its galleries display carved slit drums (tam-tam) from 83 islands, ancestor masks, pig-tusk money, woven mats and canoe models, and explain the different customs (kastom) of each island. Guides often give live demonstrations of Vanuatu sand drawing, in which a continuous line is traced across the sand to form intricate patterns. The practice is on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Admission is about 1,000 vatu. Note: weekend opening hours are short, and you should ask before taking photographs.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri about 09:00–16:30; Sat morning
Nearby sights
- Port Vila Market House
- Iririki Island
- Port Vila Waterfront
- Ekasup Cultural Village
- Erakor Island
- Pango & Breakas Beach
- Hideaway Island
- Mele Bay