Museum of Samoa
Vaisigano
The Museum of Samoa, locally known as Falemata'aga, is the national museum located in Apia, Samoa, housed in the island's oldest building-a former German colonial school. It is the only government-funded museum dedicated exclusively to Samoan culture, managed by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture. The museum's collection includes over three hundred objects reflecting Pacific Island cultures, Samoan prehistory, and the natural environment. Notable artifacts include taxidermy specimens, traditional tattoo equipment, and prehistoric pottery. Beyond its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and touring displays to remote areas, enriching cultural understanding throughout Samoa. It has showcased significant exhibitions such as 'To Walk Under Palm Trees – The Germans in Samoa' and 'Entangled Islands: Sāmoa, New Zealand and the First World War.' The museum also collaborates on international research projects, including sustainable building techniques and archaeological investigations of the Pulemelei mound. Its role is pivotal in preserving and promoting Samoan cultural heritage within a historic colonial architectural setting.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to check the museum's website or contact ahead for current exhibitions and opening hours. The best time to visit is during weekdays when staff are available for guided insights. The museum occasionally offers traveling exhibitions to remote areas, providing unique opportunities for cultural engagement. While specific ticket prices are not highlighted, government funding suggests affordable access, with possible discounts for groups or students. Booking in advance is recommended for group visits or educational tours to ensure availability and personalized guidance.
Interesting facts
- •The museum building is the oldest on the island of Upolu, originally a German colonial school.
- •It holds over 300 artifacts covering Pacific Island cultures, Samoan prehistory, and environment.
- •The museum has collaborated internationally, including with the American Museum of Natural History and Uppsala University.
- •Significant exhibitions include one on German colonial life in Samoa and another about Samoa's role in World War I.
- •The Auckland War Memorial Museum donated an exhibition to the Museum of Samoa in 2015.
History
The Museum of Samoa is housed in the oldest building on the island of Upolu, originally constructed as a German colonial school during the German administration of Samoa.
After Samoa's colonial period, the building was repurposed to house the national museum.
The museum was formerly part of the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture until governmental restructuring in 1999 placed it under the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture.
Over the years, it has evolved to become the sole government-funded institution dedicated to preserving Samoan culture and history.
Collaborative research projects and exhibitions have marked its development, reflecting Samoa's colonial past and journey to independence.
Place Guide
Permanent Collection
The permanent collection features over 300 objects that represent the cultural heritage and natural history of Samoa and the wider Pacific Islands. Highlights include traditional tattooing tools, prehistoric pottery, and taxidermy specimens illustrating local fauna.
Temporary Exhibitions
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions on-site, covering themes such as colonial history, cultural identity, and environmental issues. Past exhibitions have included displays about German colonial life and Samoa's participation in World War I.
Contact
Phone: 26036