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National Museum of Solomon Islands

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National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)

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The National Museum of Solomon Islands is not only an educational institution but also a prominent architectural landmark in the center of Honiara. Founded in 1969, the museum complex consists of several pavilions built in traditional styles representing the various island groups of the archipelago. This design serves as a physical representation of national identity and cultural diversity. Located directly opposite the well-known Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel, the museum is easily identified by the intricately carved totem poles and traditional canoes displayed near the entrance. The buildings themselves are constructed using local timber and materials, highlighting a commitment to preserving indigenous craftsmanship. Over the decades, the museum grounds have developed into a serene green space in the city, where visitors can walk among historical monuments and shaded tropical trees. As a landmark, it frequently hosts cultural festivals and official state functions that celebrate Melanesian heritage. The combination of historical depth and active cultural preservation makes it one of the most significant sites for both locals and international visitors in the Solomon Islands.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272626262626262626262727
Rain mm263305277220214143135114107160167221

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The National Museum of Solomon Islands is a public museum in Honiara exhibiting cultural and historical artefacts. Entry is usually charged, but the displays are worth the visit.
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Typical hours
The museum is typically open Monday to Friday 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturday until noon. Sundays and public holidays it is usually closed; local confirmation is advisable.
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Photography
Photography without flash is allowed in most exhibition halls. Please inquire at the ticket desk about any restrictions for special exhibitions.
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Time needed
An average visit lasts about one and a half to two hours. For deeper study and reading all descriptions, allow two to three hours.
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Combine with
The museum is opposite the Mendana Hotel and near the Parliament Building. The botanical garden and waterfront promenade are also easily reached on foot.
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Getting there
The museum is in central Honiara on Mendana Avenue. It is easily reached on foot from the city centre or by taxi; parking is limited.
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Insider tip
Start your tour on the ground floor with the archaeological finds for an overview of history. A guide can offer deeper insights into the culture.

Geography

Coordinates
-9.43140, 159.96110

Facts

  • The museum is the oldest state-run cultural institution in the country.
  • It is situated in the main commercial and hotel district of Honiara.
  • The pavilions showcase unique architectural features from the nine provinces.
  • Traditional 'war canoes' are among the most photographed landmarks on site.
  • The institution serves as a central hub for the preservation of oral histories.
  • The grounds feature several monuments dedicated to colonial and post-colonial history.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Honiara Public LibraryHoniara Public Library<1 km · SExplore →
Skyline Memorial ViewSkyline Memorial View1 km · EExplore →
Matanikau RiverMatanikau River2 km · SExplore →
Solomon Islands National UniversitySolomon Islands National University3 km · NExplore →
White RiverWhite River4 km · SExplore →
Ranadi Industrial EstateRanadi Industrial Estate5 km · NExplore →
Matanikau FallsMatanikau Falls5 km · SEExplore →
Gifu BattlefieldGifu Battlefield5 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town National Museum of Solomon Islands (10)

South Seas Evangelical Church

Evangelical church in Honiara serving the South Seas community with worship services.

Wesley United Church

Methodist church in Honiara holding regular services and community events.

Pride of Our Nation Memorial

Memorial in Honiara that honors national pride and the history of the Solomon Islands.

🕒 24/7

Holy Cross Cathedral

Catholic cathedral in Honiara, seat of the bishop, with daily masses.

Point Cruz Yatch Club

Yacht club in Honiara offering mooring and a bar on the coast.

Tulagi Dive

Dive center in Honiara organizing trips to coral reefs and wrecks.

Solomon Islands National Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Honiara showcasing the cultural heritage and history of the islands.

National Museum🏛 museum

National Museum in Honiara featuring traditional art and historical objects.

Melanesia Haus⛪ church

Church building in Honiara used by the Melanesian congregation for religious gatherings.

Desmond Probets Hall⛪ church

Parish hall in Honiara used for church activities and social meetings.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of the National Museum?
It is usually open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Is there an entrance fee for the museum?
Yes, a small entrance fee is charged to support operations.
How much time should I plan for the museum?
Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours to see the exhibits.
Can I take photos in the exhibit halls?
Photography without flash is permitted in most areas.
Are there guided tours there?
Yes, guided tours for groups are available upon request.
National Museum of Solomon Islands: where is it located?
National Museum of Solomon Islands is located in Solomon Islands.
National Museum of Solomon Islands: what is there to see?
Highlights include South Seas Evangelical Church, Wesley United Church, Pride of Our Nation Memorial.
National Museum of Solomon Islands: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
National Museum of Solomon Islands: why is it worth visiting?
The National Museum of Solomon Islands is not only an educational institution but also a prominent architectural landmark in the center of Honiara.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Oceania
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Solomon Islands →

Nearby cities

Point Cruz Business District — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Point Cruz Business District
This district in Honiara is the commercial heart of the country.
Honiara — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Honiara
The capital of the Solomon Islands is located on the north coast of Guadalcanal.
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Kokumbona
A former village west of Honiara that served as the headquarters for the Japanese 17th Army during the Guadalcanal campaign.
Lungga — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Lungga
Lungga is an industrial and residential settlement on the eastern edge of Honiara, located by the river of the same name.
Auki Market Center — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Auki Market Center
Auki is the economic center of Malaita Province.
Auki — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Auki
Auki is the capital of Malaita Province and one of the largest towns in the country.
Buala — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Buala
Buala is the capital of Isabel Province, located on the Maringe Lagoon.
A-Tulagi — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
A-Tulagi
The surrounding area of Tulagi includes several small island settlements in the Central Province.
Tulagi — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Tulagi
Tulagi was the former capital of the British Protectorate and is now the capital of the Central Province.
Tulagi Island — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Tulagi Island
The former capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate.

History & landmarks

Honiara City Council — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Honiara City Council
The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.
Honiara Public Library — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Honiara Public Library
The public library in the heart of Honiara is a vital cultural and educational landmark.
Honiara Central Market — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Honiara Central Market
Honiara's bustling marketplace located at the historic Point Cruz area, serving as the economic heart of the city.
National Parliament Library — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
National Parliament Library
The library is part of the parliament complex and houses key national documents.
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Solomon Islands Parliament Building
The distinctive cone-shaped building in Honiara was completed in 1993 with US assistance.
Point Cruz — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Point Cruz
A small peninsula in central Honiara.
All Saints School, Honiara — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
All Saints School, Honiara
This historic school is closely linked to the Anglican Church.
Mbokonavera Market — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Mbokonavera Market
This local market in a residential area of Honiara is an authentic landmark of daily life.

More places

Solomon Islands National Museum — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Solomon Islands National Museum
The country's primary museum in Honiara, showcasing cultural, archaeological, and WWII-related artifacts.
Holy Cross Cathedral — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Holy Cross Cathedral
The Catholic cathedral towers on a hill over Honiara and is a prominent landmark.
Bishop Brosnahan Memorial — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Bishop Brosnahan Memorial
This memorial honors the first Catholic Bishop of Honiara.
Heritage Park Honiara — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Heritage Park Honiara
Heritage Park is a central landmark in Honiara, blending modern hotel architecture with a site of historical importance.
Honiara Cenotaph — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Honiara Cenotaph
The central war memorial in Honiara, honoring the fallen of all wars, with a focus on Solomon Islander soldiers and scouts.
Mendaña Monument — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Mendaña Monument
A monument in Honiara commemorating the arrival of Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendaña in 1568.
All Saints Church, Honiara — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
All Saints Church, Honiara
The Anglican church in the city center is a significant religious gathering place.
Solomon Peace Memorial Park — National Museum of Solomon Islands (Solomon Islands)
Solomon Peace Memorial Park
This park in Honiara is dedicated to peace and the memory of all victims of WWII.