Location
Located in the heart of Suva's Thurston Gardens, the Fiji Museum holds a remarkable collection spanning archaeological material dating to the first settlement 3500 years ago, as well as cultural material from the various communities in Fiji and historical material documenting Fiji's past.
Prehistory Gallery
This gallery illustrates various aspects of traditional Vitian culture, including maritime technology, the Vitian household, traditional religion, ways of dressing, music, games and warfare.
History Gallery
Take a step back in time to gain greater understanding of the influences on Vitian culture, through trading links with Tongan, and Samoan societies to contact with the West and the impact of trade and religious beliefs from this new quarter.
Objects on display include the rudder of the HMS Bounty, salvaged from the wreck in the Pitcairn Islands, a copy of the Deed of Cession when Fiji became a colony of Great Britain, the medals of the great statesman Ratu Josefa Lalabalavu Vanaaliali Sukuna, and the figurehead of the SIRIA - a vessel that brought many indentured labourers to Fiji and was wrecked on Nasilai reef with the tragic loss of many lives.
Masi Gallery
Barkcloth or masi is made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree. Such cloth was used in traditional Vitian culture for a variety of purposes, including mosquito nets and wall hanging in houses, as a form of dress by men, and as a presentation item at special ceremonies.
Pottery-Making Demonstrations
The two main pottery-making areas for traditional potters in Fiji today are Sigatoka and Rewa. Every Thursday and Friday a skilled potter from Nasilai in Rewa demonstrates her pottery making skills at the Museum. She is joined by another skilled potter from Nakabuta in Sigatoka in the first week of every month.
Video Theatre
Videos on the history and culture of Fiji and its neighbours are screened constantly in the Museum Video Theatre.
Tabutabu Soro - Take a ride in the past
Take a ride in the past on a traditional Vitian 'drua' (double-hulled canoe). The Museum offers this hands-on experience for visitors. Bookings can be arranged through the Museum Education Department.
Special Programmes
Other special programmes are held throughout the year. Information on upcoming programmes is available from the Museum Education Department.
Hours
Mon-Thur: 9:30am - 4:00pm
Fri: 9:30am- 3.30pm
Sat & Public Holidays: 9:30am - 4:00pm
Sunday- Closed
Admission
Visitors $F5.50; Children 4-12 yrs- F$3.30; Children under 4 yrs- Free
Locals- F$2.20; Students- F$0.50.
Tours
Available from the front desk.
Museum Store
Museum publications, artefact reproductions, special Museum logo merchandise available for purchase.
Museum Cafe
Snacks and meals served.
For more information about the Fiji Museum please contact
