Top Things to do in Noumea
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Things to do in Noumea, Grand Terre: The Best Museums
Noumea, on the island of Grand Terre, is the capital of the French territory of New Caledonia. The peaceful port city has a diverse population and colorful European architecture, reflecting its colonial history. Having served as the headquarters of the US Army during WWII, the tropical shrubbery of Ouen Toro Mount is now under the protection of abandoned Naval guns. The Michel Corbasson Zoological and Forest Park offers visitors shaded walks amongst rare birds and views out over the lagoon.
Restaurants in Noumea
1. Galerie d'art LEC LEC TIC
2. Le Musee Maritime de Nouvelle-Caledonie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By Kate789Melbourne
Definitely worth a visit - really interesting especially the exhibitions about the expedition of La Perouse and rescuing boat people. Very friendly welcome from receptionist.
3. Musee de la Seconde Guerre Mondiale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By TANGOCHARLIEBRAVO - Westbury, United Kingdom
Much more than military history, it outlines the transition of New Caledonia into the post imperial world through the presence of 50,000 Allied servicemen, mainly American, during WW2. There is enough English to follow the story, but “O level” French will help. The local Information Office said it was cash only for entry, but the museum now accepts cards. Entry costs very little, seniors for example, pay the equivalent of $1 US. There no cafe, neither gift shop, it is no frills, but well worth a visit.
4. Arts Premiers Galerie
5. Chateau Hagen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
This former private estate was built in 1858. The main building was built between 1889 and 1892. Today, the Château Hagen is a cultural and heritage building that organizes exhibitions, shows (concerts, dance, theater), workshops visual arts, conferences, artist residencies, class and group receptions ... The park is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 9h to 17h. The castle is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 14h to 17h (only during exhibitions).
6. Musee de la Ville de Noumea
7. Tjibaou Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,084 reviews
On the narrow Tina Peninsula of approximately 8 hectares, given by the Noumea Council, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre was inaugurated in May 1998 and was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano. The Centre is a place of identical assertiveness and cultural gathering and creation. Through its original configuration, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre offers a lot of cultural activities as you can find there an art centre, exhibitions spaces, show areas and a specialized multimedia library. Depending on its activity, the audience changes quantitatively and sociologically. Transferred to New-Caledonia in 2012, newly named ADCK-CCT aims to search, collect and promote the kanak cultural heritage, to initiate and develop kanak artistic creation, to provoke the emergence of common cultural practices and references, to be a pole of regional and international exchanges The Tjibaou Cultural Centre recorded 98 405 visitors in 2011. It employs 65 persons.
Reviewed By PBWill
At first look from a distance on land I thought it must be a radar installation. Then at sea on a boat it looked like a space station. To my surprise I was told it was the only Grand Project built by France outside the Metropole and is the only such Project ever built in a French Overseas Territory. It is the TJIBAOU Cultural Centre that is emblematic of the exotic sights which abound across New Caledonia, and was designed and built by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano. The cultural centre is built in the image of a Melanesian (Kanaky) village (but on a larger scale) which French colonizers who came here over 200 years ago would have seen on a landscape of breath taking beauty. Inside the Cultural Centre are paintings, sculptures, furnishings, and ornaments of sacred importance to the Melanesian / Kanaky people who believe their civilization originates from the moon in the form of a zemorphic being - half man half lizard. The TJIBAOU Cultural Centre could be considered a peace offering made by the French State to the indeginous Melanesians / Kanaky people following a near civil war situation between the French island settlers and the indeginous population about 20 years ago. Today Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia is a favourite stop over port for round the world travelling yachtsmen to relax on Noumea's beautiful beaches and to provision their boats with French wines, cheeses, designer fragrances. and food items stocked in local stores who fly their products in from France (a 26 hour flight away). The national airline of the French Territory of New Caledonia is AIR CALEDONIE INTERNATIONAL which flies in partnership with Air France - a member of the Sky Team Airline Alliance - offering easy access to the island territory from major cities across the world.
8. Musee de Nouvelle Caledonie
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By ruthandvern - Wilton, United States
This museum, not extremely large, has the most complete compilation of artifacts for the New Caledonian and surrounding Island groups outside France. It is quite complete in covering all facets of the lifestyle and culture of the people. The life-size exhibits are exceptional, the informational signage is primarily in French but most items also have English and other translations, though not all. The dress, the dance, the warring tools, fishing and agricultural implements were fantastic. The craftsmanship and artisan talents abound and leave no doubt these societies were outstanding at their peaks. The upstairs contains an excellent view into Vanuatu culture, being the closest island away, but also covers the Marquesas', Solomon's, Marshalls, Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti (Society Islands group). The highlights were the Tapa items. These are made by beating the bark from trees and make clothes, hangings and art. The jewelry and the various types of "money" were fascinating. The entrance fee is nominal, like $2US, well worth it for about 90 minutes of education. We took 270 pictures between us.
9. Arte Bello Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
in 320 m2, art gallery "Arte bello" welcomes you. We present Caledonian artists and artists of the Pacific. Painter, sculptor ... You will find the original but also lithographs creations, digigraphies, reproductions at affordable prices. For souvenir and gift of beautiful
10. Centre d' Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
