This excellent museum, in a soaring traditional building opposite the parliament, has a well-displayed collection of traditional artefacts such as tamtam (slit gongs or slit drums), outrigger canoes, ceremonial headdresses, shell jewellery and examples of Lapita and Wusi pottery. There's an interesting photographic display on the unearthing of Chief Roi Mata's burial site. One-hour guided tours include a traditional instrument demonstration and sand drawing.

The Vanuatu National Museum is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the island nation. With its rich collection of cultural artifacts, interactive exhibits, and live sand drawings by Livae, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the history and traditions of the local people. From ancient pottery to intricate carvings, the museum is a treasure trove of history and beauty. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this hidden gem in Port Vila!

If you go here, hopefully you will meet Edgar. His passion and knowledge makes you want to hear more. And the sand drawings are amazing! As for the rest of the museum, a bit run down and in need of cleaning. Still a must-do 👍

I love museums but this one left something to be desired. Didn’t feel that I learned as much about history or culture as by just talking to locals, and some of the displays are very out of date or difficult to read. Go to support the museum, but don’t expect to leave with a lot of newfound knowledge

Good display of native history and education, for a country of 200000 its not big but good enough for a visit, there was a guy that gave some stories with associated drawings which was cool

Edgar was amazing and he made everyone feel like friends. The sand drawings were both fascinating and educational. Great story telling and the music was unexpected. Everyone should visit the displays are good but Edgar brings everything to life.

The museum offers a "view" and sense of Vanuatu's culture at its core, but what makes it even more "a must visit" place is the dedication of the guides, or in my case - Edgar. His knowledge, experience and expressiveness of Vanuatu's traditions and customs makes you want to ask more and more questions. The museum definitely needs a few "touches" here and there, but it will satisfy your curiosity for knowledge!

Unlike other negative posts, I thought this experience was really good. We had a personal guide who was a student from one of Vanuatu's islands who was able to fully explain the exhibits and gave us time to look around as well. Their desire to preserve what's gone before is impressive, and to share enables them to continue the tradition of verbal passing of culture from this generation to the next. She finished with some sand drawings that she's learnt as her tribe does not use this method of communication. Definitely worth the visit.

The experience was enhanced by Edgar the informative and entertaining museum guide.

It is a really small national museum to tell some of the history of Vanuatu. Mostly nature history and culture. Amazing museum staff show the sand drawings. Especially show us how to draw "Love". I do love what I see in museum. However, it did not cover any history after WW1 & WW2.

The museum is clearly underfinanced, but don't let it stop you from visiting. The highlight of the museum, in a line; the conservator. He told us tales of Vanuatu, stories to remember; showed us instrument, artworks, etc. He played songs for us and drew! He alone was 6 stars out of 5!

Interesting place to visit. I would say just support local tourism ;-)

An amazing time.e with Edgar and the dance troupe, and then to watch sand painting. Tabeana to everyone for making this such a special experience.

Very interesting museum and the guide Edgar gives a great team at the beginning plus will play your country's national anthem on the baboon harp!

We only paid the 1000 Vatu entry and looked round ourselves. Interesting for adults. Kid (7 yrs) was not so engaged. Were lucky enough to see the artist draw quite a few of the sand drawings.

Excellent place to begin your learning of Vanuatu. The exhibits are stunning and don't miss out on the 'sandroing' session.

One of the highlights of Port Vila for us. This was largely due to the very entertaining and talented guide. We learnt a lot about the fascinating history of the Vanuatu Republic.

Absolutely wonderful museum, we especially loved the tour with sand drawings and musical instruments! Important local history and cultural information.

The museum has a fairly small exhibit, but it does cover most aspects of Vanuatuan life. For me it was a perfect intro to Vanuatu. There's also a gift shop on site, with some nice pieces to purchase. Do check it out when you are in Port Vila!

We visited here some time ago, but I'm just getting around to writing the review now. There were some interesting displays and would be worth the while to visit on a rainy day. It does however, need a good clean.

Absolutely brilliant, Edgar was really engaging and sincere

Love the cultural space. It is very special where a lot of learning has taken place for our children 😊

Super small, but good to learn local culture; staff sand drawing and bamboo musical demonstration was amazing! Friendly staff!