Musée de Tahiti et des Îles

The Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, on the coast at Punaauia west of Papeete, is the principal cultural institution of French Polynesia, presenting the natural history, archaeology and traditions of the many island groups. Its collections include ancient tools, tattoo art, carvings, navigation lore and material on the Polynesian settlement of the Pacific. Set in gardens facing the lagoon, the museum offers essential background for understanding Tahitian and wider Polynesian culture.