National Museum Of Vanuatu

14/10/2026

TEMPORARY MUSEUM DISPLAY

Today, our staff are cleaning and preparing the Port Vila Public Library downtown for the Vanuatu National Museum’s temporary display as the main Museum building undergoes renovation.

Thank you to our dedicated team for helping preserve and share Vanuatu’s rich cultural heritage. 🇻🇺

08/10/2026

The Vanuatu Museum will be temporarily relocated this month due to renovation works.

We will provide an update soon with details of the temporary location and when the Museum will reopen.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. 🇻🇺

27/09/2026

Vanuatu Sand Drawings — A UNESCO- Intangible Cultural Heritage

In 2008, UNESCO inscribed Vanuatu Sand Drawings on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. UNESCO describes sand drawing as a multifunctional form of “writing,” created with one continuous line in sand, volcanic ash or clay. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

These drawings can carry knowledge about history, genealogy, mythology, kinship, farming, traditional practices, songs and stories. They are part of the living cultural knowledge passed from generation to generation.

To learn more about Sand drawing, Visit National Museum of Vanuatu.

10/09/2026

Join us for an evening of History Stories and Discovery. Friends of the National Museum Tok.

📅 Thursday 24 September 2026
Time: 5:30pm
Venue: National Museum.

08/09/2026

🏺 DID YOU KNOW?

The Vanuatu National Museum holds a remarkable collection of pottery dating from approximately 1,000 to 500 years after the Lapita period.

The pieces featured on this poster include a Lapita pot from Toman Island, Malekula, and a Mangasi pot from Mele Village, Efate. Mangasi-style pottery designs have also been found throughout the Shepherd Islands.

Have you visited the Vanuatu National Museum to discover Vanuatu’s Lapita and Mangasi pottery collections?

If not, we warmly welcome you!

🕘 Opening Hours
Monday–Friday: 9:00am–4:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am–12:00pm

🎟️ Admission
Local residents: FREE
International visitors: VT1,000–VT1,500

Come and explore the rich history, creativity and cultural heritage of Vanuatu! 🇻🇺

07/09/2026

Ancient fragments of pottery have been discovered in excavations for Tonga's new parliament complex.

Lapita pottery has been associated with some of the earliest settlements across the Pacific. The fragments found date back to around 2,500 years ago.

The government hasn't released details on how many fragments were found, or whether they've undergone archaeological assessment yet.

Listen to full interview on Pacific Beat at 42:00: https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/pacific-beat/107091664

07/09/2026

Lapita Handicrafts are now available at the National Museum Shop. ✨

Take home a unique piece of Vanuatu’s artistry, craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

📍 Available now at the National Museum Shop
🇻🇺 Celebrate our culture. Support our local artisans.

29/07/2026

27/05/2026

Meet Kaitip Kami from South West Bay, Malekula — the Curator of the National Museum of Vanuatu. 🇻🇺

Dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Vanuatu, Kaitip Kami continues to play an important role in safeguarding our kastom, stories, traditions, and historical collections for future generations.

The National Museum of Vanuatu remains a place where our identity, history, and cultural knowledge are protected and shared with the people of Vanuatu and the world.