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Olry Statue

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Standing prominently in the Place des Cocotiers in Nouméa, the bronze statue commemorates Admiral Jean-Louis Olry, who served as the governor of New Caledonia from 1878 to 1880. His governorship coincided with a pivotal moment in the island's colonial history: the 1878 Kanak revolt led by Chief Ataï. The monument features the Admiral in a resolute pose atop a high stone pedestal, serving as a significant historical anchor in the city center. While it honors a French military figure, the statue also prompts reflection on the complex interactions and conflicts of the colonial era. Surrounded by the iconic coconut palms of the square, it remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the capital. Visitors to the site can explore the surrounding colonial-style architecture and gain insight into the historical events that shaped the current political and cultural landscape of New Caledonia.

Location: New Caledonia
Top sights: Fontaine Céleste · Musée de la Ville · Cathédrale Saint-Joseph
Nearby: Rivière-Salée (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	27	26	25	24	22	21	21	21	23	24	25
Rain mm	109	99	161	104	94	80	68	58	42	41	65	78

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Olry Statue is an outdoor monument that can be viewed from the outside at any time. Visiting the site is unrestricted, with direct access to the statue typically available on public ground.

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Typical hours

As a monument in public space, there are no set opening hours. Visitors can see the statue at any time, ideally during daylight hours.

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Photography

Photography is allowed at any time since the statue is freely accessible. For the best shots, early morning or late afternoon light is recommended to avoid harsh shadows.

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Time needed

A short stop of about 10 to 15 minutes is enough to view the statue and take photos. Those interested in the historical background may wish to spend a little extra time.

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Combine with

The statue can be combined with a stroll through downtown Nouméa, as it is presumably located in the city. Nearby are other monuments and the Place des Cocotiers, also worth seeing.

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Getting there

Best reached on foot if you are already in Nouméa, or by car to the central square. Parking in the city center is usually limited, public transport is an alternative.

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Insider tip

Visit the monument early in the morning to avoid crowds and have clear light. Check the exact location in Nouméa beforehand as the statue is not always marked on every map.

Geography

Coordinates

-22.27170, 166.44310

Facts

Admiral Jean-Baptiste Olry was a naval officer and governor.
The statue was erected in Place des Cocotiers in 1897.
It was created by the sculptor Denys Puech.
Olry led the military operations against the 1878 revolt.
The monument is part of the historical heritage tour in Nouméa.
In 2021, there were debates regarding the removal or redesign of the monument.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

St. Joseph's Cathedral<1 km · NWExplore →

Lapérouse Monument2 km · SEExplore →

Vallée des Colons2 km · NExplore →

Doniambo Smelter2 km · SWExplore →

Lemon Bay2 km · EExplore →

Magenta Fort3 km · NWExplore →

Ducos Industrial Zone3 km · SWExplore →

Ouen Toro Forest Reserve3 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Olry Statue (10)

Fontaine Céleste

Decorative fountain at Place des Cocotiers. A notable landmark in the city center.

Musée de la Ville 🏛 museum

City museum in Nouméa. Exhibits on the history and culture of the town.

Cathédrale Saint-Joseph

Cathedral in Nouméa, New Caledonia. Seat of the city's Catholic diocese.

🌐 diocese.ddec.nc

Gouverneur Jean-Baptiste Olry

Monument to Governor Jean-Baptiste Olry. Commemorates his role in New Caledonia.

Fédération de Œuvres Laiques FOL

Theatre of the Federation of Secular Works. Hosts performances and cultural events.

Cyber-base de la Fédération des Oeuvres Laïques

Arts and culture center with computer labs. Promotes digital education and creativity.

Maison Higginson🏛 museum

Historic house in Nouméa. Now operates as a museum with exhibition rooms.

Temple protestant de Nouméa

Protestant church in Nouméa. Place of worship for the Reformed congregation.

Le Rex

Cultural center in Nouméa. Venue for concerts, films, and events.

Mémoire des Gendarmes et Militaires

Monument to the memory of gendarmes and soldiers. Commemorates fallen security forces.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who was Olry, to whom the statue is dedicated?

Jean Olry was a historical governor of New Caledonia in the 19th century.

Is the statue worth seeing?

For history buffs, it gives a fascinating insight into the colonial era.

Are there guided tours?

The statue is often part of guided historical city tours through Nouméa.

What is the best time of day?

Visit the statue in the morning when the light is well-suited for photos.

Can the statue be found easily?

Yes, it stands in a prominent, easy-to-find location in the city center.

Olry Statue: where is it located?

Olry Statue is located in New Caledonia.

Olry Statue: what is there to see?

Highlights include Fontaine Céleste, Musée de la Ville, Cathédrale Saint-Joseph.

Olry Statue: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.

Olry Statue: why is it worth visiting?

Standing prominently in the Place des Cocotiers in Nouméa, the bronze statue commemorates Admiral Jean-Louis Olry, who served as the governor of New Caledonia from 1878 to 1880.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Olry Statue

Best time to visit & climate