Fiji Museum

The Fiji Museum was founded in 1904 in the old town hall but is now situated inside the famous Thurston Gardens.

The museum is divided into halls, with the most precious and historic items placed deeper within the display areas. The first hall displays traditional Fijian double hulled canoes called ‘Druas’ which are considered the most sea worthy of all sea voyaging canoes in Oceania.

Another fascinating item is the last remaining fragment of the ‘Bounty’ from ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ fame. Originally there were several pieces attached to the rudder, of which this was a part, but unfortunately souvenir hunters scavenged what was left while it was stored at the Post Office on Pitcairn Island waiting to be transported to Fiji. This and other fascinating stories can be unraveled during a visit to the museum.

The museum is also a research and educational institution, encouraging school field trips. It is open weekdays from 8.30am – 4.30pm, Saturday from 9am – 4.30pm and closed on Sunday. There is a small admission charge.

Take a walk through Thurston Gardens as a prelude to your museum experience. It has European plant and tree life in abundance, a legacy of Colonial times, and sections that display the vibrancy of indigenous tropical flora. Savor the peace and tranquility of these beautiful surroundings whilst inhaling the fragrances of full blown blossoms in contrast to the tangy, salty smell of the sea.