Aerial view of the Centre Culturel TjibaouAerial view of the Centre Culturel Tjibaou
©Aerial view of the Centre Culturel Tjibaou|M. Dosdane / NCT

Tjibaou Cultural Centre

Nouméa
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Enrich your Nouméa itinerary with a visit to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, a vital cultural destination that provides a deep understanding of the customs and traditions of the Kanak tribes. This remarkable complex is devoted to Kanak and Oceanic arts and cultures, featuring an art centre, museum, performance venues, a media library, and a tranquil wooded park along the mangrove swamp. Amidst soaring columnar pines and ten monumental cases crafted by acclaimed architect Renzo Piano, you’ll embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Melanesian culture.

Situated in the Tina district of Nouméa, not far from Nouméa-Magenta domestic airport and a mere 8 km (15 minutes) from the city centre, the cultural centre is easily accessible. Here are various transportation options:

  • By bus: Take Line N2 (Tanéo), serving multiple stops between Place Moselle and Centre Tjibaou. Please note that this line doesn’t operate on weekends and public holidays.
  • By taxi: It couldn’t be more convenient! Simply call one of Nouméa’s Taxis at 28.35.12 (available 24/7).
  • Private shuttles: Explore a list of authorised transport providers.
  • By car: If you have your own vehicle, you’ll find directions to the Tjibaou Centre via the provided link. On-site parking is complimentary for visitors.
  • Allocate approximately two hours for a comprehensive tour of the center and its gardens.
  • Note that the museum is closed on Mondays.
  • It is strongly recommended to use mosquito repellent and wearing closed shoes.
  • As the day draws to a close, the lighting accentuates the architectural beauty of the building!
Top 7 things to do on site

Uncover the numerous activities awaiting you at the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, a site conceived in accordance with the Matignon Accords of 1988. The centre was built on the same grounds that hosted the Melanesia 2000 festival in 1975, organised by Jean-Marie Tjibaou, a Kanak independence leader. This event marked the first large-scale gathering celebrating Kanak traditions. Today, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre beckons with numerous compelling attractions, from leisurely strolls in a scenic lagoon-side garden to marvelling at its architectural wonders, delving into Kanak cosmogonies, immersing yourself in Caledonian history, and partaking in exhibitions by talented artists.

Here are seven must-try experiences at this iconic venue in New Caledonia!

1. Admire the architecture designed by Renzo Piano

Tjibaou Cultural Centre: A window on the Kanak culture
Tjibaou Cultural Centre: A window on the Kanak culture
Tjibaou Cultural Centre: A window on the Kanak culture

Did you know that Renzo Piano, the celebrated architect of the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, envisioned and designed the Tjibaou Cultural Centre? The museum’s towering “huts” are directly inspired by traditional Kanak architecture. With their deliberately unfinished appearance, they serve as a reminder that Kanak culture is continually evolving. Constructed with steel and Iroko wood, these huts range in height from 20 to 28 meters. An avenue lined with columnar pines connects the huts, forming three distinct villages, each dedicated to a specific purpose.

2. Walk "Kanak path”

Case Kanak at the Centre Culturel TjibaouCase Kanak at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou
©Case Kanak at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou|Marine Reveilhac / NCT
Sunset at the Centre Culturel TjibaouSunset at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou
©Sunset at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou|Dario SPADA / NCT
Preparing bougna at the Centre Culturel TjibaouPreparing bougna at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou
©Preparing bougna at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou|Sicilia / NCT

    Adjacent to the museum, don’t overlook the “chemin Kanak” (Kanak Path)! This outdoor trail retraces the myth of the first man, Téâ Kanaké, symbolised by native plants and their language. An enthralling guided tour covers the five stages of this initiatory journey. The tour unfolds in an 8-hectare park adorned with trees, immersing visitors in nature and vernacular legends. In addition to traditional huts, a faré (communal house) and several dance and performance areas blend harmoniously into the natural landscape. Challenge yourself to identify the houp and kaori trees, distinctive to New Caledonia! Finally, for a breathtaking view of the lagoon, head to the belvedere overlooking Magenta Bay or the statue of Jean-Marie Tjibaou atop the hill.

    3. Explore Kanak and Oceanian art

    Exhibition at the Centre Culturel TjibaouExhibition at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou
    ©Exhibition at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou|O. Strewe / NCT
      Totem at the Centre Culturel TjibaouTotem at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou
      ©Totem at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou|NCT

        Since its inauguration on May 4, 1998, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre has been committed to showcasing the island’s indigenous culture, particularly its arts. The collection of contemporary Kanak and Oceanian art comprises over 600 works from Australia and the Pacific Islands, including New Caledonia. Many of these works are on permanent display for visitors. Additionally, the center hosts rotating temporary exhibitions featuring various works from the Fonds d’Art Contemporain Kanak et Océanien (FACKO). Don’t miss the artist residencies in the Bérétara and Kavitara rooms!

        4. Attend a Cultural Performance

        Francofolies Festival at Centre Culturel Tjibaou, New CaledoniaFrancofolies Festival at Centre Culturel Tjibaou, New Caledonia
        ©Francofolies Festival at Centre Culturel Tjibaou, New Caledonia|Sophie Vuvant / NCT

          Leverage the unique setting of the Tjibaou Cultural Centre to enjoy cultural and festive performances. Whether it’s dance, theatre, conferences, music festivals, or open-air cinema, the centre’s four dedicated spaces host a diverse range of shows. Check out the events calendar for details!

          5. Join a guided family tour

          There’s nothing quite like a guided tour to uncover the wonders of the Tjibaou Cultural Centre! On the first Saturday of every month, the centre organizes a family discovery day called Beu Ya. During this event, visitors engage in welcoming customs, culinary preparations, and the language of plants—an ideal workshop-tour for families with children! Additionally, the “animated Kanak trail” unveils the secrets of the first man’s myth every Tuesday afternoon. Accompanied by percussion and dance, this interactive journey delves into the world of plants. Classic guided tours are also available in the mornings and afternoons, requiring advance reservation.

          Traditional Kanak hut at the Centre Culturel TjibaouTraditional Kanak hut at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou
          ©Traditional Kanak hut at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou|Mimo / NCT
            Traditional Kanak dance at the Centre Culturel TjibaouTraditional Kanak dance at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou
            ©Traditional Kanak dance at the Centre Culturel Tjibaou|Marine Reveilhac / NCT
              Center Culturel Tjibaou in NouméaCenter Culturel Tjibaou in Nouméa
              ©Center Culturel Tjibaou in Nouméa|NCT
                Practical information

                Address

                Rue des Accords de Matignon
                Tina, Nouméa

                Prices

                Full price1000XPF
                Reduced price500XPF

                Opening hours

                • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
                • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
                • Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
                • Friday 09:00 - 17:00
                • Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
                • Sunday 09:00 - 16:00
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