The Ratu Finau Tui Nayau is the last of the great ocean going drua. Small in comparison to the mightiest of these vessels, it is still over 13 metres long.
1 / 10

Fiji Museum

4.2
·880 reviews·Suva, Fiji

Discover Fiji's rich history and culture at the Fiji Museum, featuring ancient artifacts, a traditional drua, and the HMS Bounty rudder.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Loading map...
The Ratu Finau Tui Nayau is the last of the great ocean going drua. Small in comparison to the mightiest of these vessels, it is still over 13 metres long.

Fiji Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Fiji's rich history and culture at the Fiji Museum, featuring ancient artifacts, a traditional drua, and the HMS Bounty rudder.

4.2
(880 reviews)

"A must-visit if you come to Suva, offering a fascinating glimpse into Fiji's past and culture. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Local Guide Value

Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into Fiji's rich history. It's worth the extra cost!

💳 Payment Options

Be aware of a potential 5% extra fee for credit card payments. Cash is king!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean-Going Drua

Ocean-Going Drua

Main Hall

Marvel at the impressive replica of a traditional Fijian canoe, a testament to ancient seafaring prowess.

HMS Bounty Rudder Fragment

HMS Bounty Rudder Fragment

Exhibits

See a rare artifact: a partial rudder from the infamous HMS Bounty, linked to the 'Mutiny on the Bounty'.

Thurston Gardens

Thurston Gardens

Adjacent to Museum

Wander through lush botanical gardens and witness the fascinating fruit bat colony at dusk.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Fiji Museum is a compact gem, perfect for a few hours. Arrive early to beat any potential crowds and enjoy the cool, air-conditioned exhibits. Consider visiting in the late afternoon to catch the fruit bat colony waking up in the adjacent Thurston Gardens. Reddit

Tickets & What to Expect

Admission is FJD $5 for adults, with potential extra fees for credit card payments. Reddit+1 While some exhibits are reproductions, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Fijian history and culture, including a significant ocean-going drua. Reddit It's a great way to learn about the islands' heritage. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
See fruit bats in gardens
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Fiji Museum, one of Fiji's iconic place, located in the heart of Suva's Thurston Gardens. The museum is a statutory body and is under the administration of the Fiji Museum Act and the Preservation of Objects of Archaeological & Palaeontological Interest Act. A must visit place when travelling around Suva City #fiji #fijimuseum #adventure #adventureweekends #fijiislands #ilovefiji
adventure_weekends
11 likes • 395 views

🎯 Local Guide Value

Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into Fiji's rich history. Reddit It's worth the extra cost! Reddit

💳 Payment Options

Be aware of a potential 5% extra fee for credit card payments. Cash is king! Reddit

Discover Treasures at the Fiji Museum Gift Shop. We’re open 7 days a week, from 9:00am to 4:30pm, bringing you a vibrant selection of unique items inspired by Fiji’s rich culture and heritage. ✨ Come on down and explore our latest collections from trusted suppliers, perfect for gifts, souvenirs, or simply treating yourself to something special. 🤝 Our vibrant Customer Service Assistant, Katarina...
fijimuseum
9 likes • 314 views
Have you been to your local museum lately? The Fiji Museum is open again and my husband and I took a spontaneous turn. It was so worth it. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of who we are and where we came from so we can remember where we’re going. I loved the solemn experience of going back through fragments of our history. My favourite moment was when Biu explained to me why the hull of the...
malualiving
0 likes • 2.9K views

🦇 Garden Wildlife

Visit Thurston Gardens next door in the evening to see the fruit bat colony wake up. Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

Check out the museum gift shop for unique items inspired by Fijian culture. Instagram

#FijiTimesNews | As many as 30 senior citizens from Nasinu and residents of the Valelevu Nursing Home gathered today at the Fiji Museum for a recreational program organized by the Nasinu District of Older Persons. The event was held to honor and remember the sacrifices and service of our nation’s elderly. As part of the program, the senior citizens toured the museum and took part in various activi...
thefijitimes
442 likes • 13.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Local Guide Value

Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights into Fiji's rich history. Reddit It's worth the extra cost! Reddit

💳 Payment Options

Be aware of a potential 5% extra fee for credit card payments. Cash is king! Reddit

🦇 Garden Wildlife

Visit Thurston Gardens next door in the evening to see the fruit bat colony wake up. Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

Check out the museum gift shop for unique items inspired by Fijian culture. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing some walking, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the museum and gardens. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(880 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Fiji Museum to be a fascinating and well-curated glimpse into Fijian history and culture, with highlights like the drua replica and the HMS Bounty rudder fragment. The adjacent Thurston Gardens, especially the fruit bat colony, adds to the appeal. Some note it's a smaller museum and might require extra engagement for children.

"We thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Fiji museum. My great - grandfather was a missionary in Fiji from 1901 to 1914 and we wanted to return some items he had brought back to Australia when he returned on account of the war. The museum was fascinating and well curated and we enjoyed delicous smoothies afterwards and a wander in the beautiful grounds after our visit"

David Lang

"Small museum, exhibits are well done. Covers history of Fiji with exhibits on early settlement as well as more recent history, and an impressive ocean-going drua (ocean-going canoe). Worth a visit. Has a large veranda with a nice cafe. Next to Thurston Gardens where we enjoyed watching the fruit bat colony wake up in the evening"

Alexandra Klikoff

"Visited Suva National museum while travelling to Fiji. You have option to buy tickets with a local guide with some additional charges . We took a local guide and it was worth it as she explained about the history of Fiji very well. A lot work is still going on to digitize the work but all together a nice experience if you want to learn about the place . Not much to do for kids so find something to keep them busy while you visit."

Richa Negi

What People Like

Fascinating historical exhibits
Impressive drua replica
HMS Bounty artifact

What People Dislike

Limited for young children
Potential credit card fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Fiji Museum is located in Thurston Gardens, Suva. You can take an express bus like 'Pacific Transport FJ express bus' which comes hourly, or a taxi. Reddit It's a central location within Suva City. Instagram

Yes, it's situated in the heart of Suva's Thurston Gardens, a well-known landmark. Instagram

Taxis are readily available in Suva. For specific routes, express buses like the 'Pacific Transport FJ express bus' are an option. Reddit

If you are staying in central Suva, walking to the museum and Thurston Gardens is feasible and a pleasant way to see the city. Reddit

While specific parking details aren't widely advertised, street parking or nearby public parking lots are likely options in Suva. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission for foreigners is FJD $5 per adult. Reddit+1 Be aware that there might be an additional 5% fee if you pay with a credit card. Reddit

The Fiji Museum is generally open 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Instagram It's always a good idea to confirm current hours before your visit. Instagram

Advance booking is typically not required for the Fiji Museum. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. Reddit

Information on specific discounts for children or seniors isn't readily available, but the general adult admission is quite affordable. Reddit

Yes, credit cards are accepted, but be prepared for a potential 5% surcharge. Reddit Carrying cash is recommended. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum showcases Fiji's history, from early settlement to more recent times, featuring artifacts, cultural exhibits, and a replica ocean-going drua. Reddit You can also see a fragment of the HMS Bounty's rudder. Reddit

While the museum offers historical insights, it might not have extensive interactive exhibits for younger children. Parents may need to find ways to keep them engaged. Reddit

A visit to the Fiji Museum can typically be completed in about 40 minutes to an hour, making it a perfect short excursion. Reddit

Yes, the museum has nice and clean public restrooms available for visitors. Reddit

Yes, the museum is air-conditioned, providing a cool and comfortable environment to explore the exhibits. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Fiji Museum has a large veranda with a nice cafe where you can enjoy refreshments, including delicious smoothies. Reddit+1

The cafe offers refreshments, and visitors have specifically mentioned enjoying delicious smoothies. Reddit

Being in Suva City, there are numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the museum. Reddit

It's generally best to consume your own food and drinks outside the museum exhibits. The cafe is available for refreshments. Reddit+1

Suva offers a variety of local Fijian cuisine, seafood, and international options. Exploring local markets and restaurants is recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside the Fiji Museum, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits. Instagram

Capture the impressive drua replica, the unique HMS Bounty rudder fragment, and the general ambiance of the exhibits. Instagram

Thurston Gardens offers beautiful botanical scenery, and the fruit bat colony at dusk provides a unique photographic subject. Reddit

A standard digital camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for the drua and a telephoto lens if you plan to photograph the fruit bats from a distance. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around cultural institutions. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Fiji Museum offers a valuable historical perspective, it may not be the most engaging for very young children due to its focus on artifacts and history. Reddit Consider bringing activities or books to keep them entertained during your visit. Reddit However, the adjacent Thurston Gardens can be a hit, especially if you time your visit for the evening to see the fruit bat colony wake up. Reddit The museum's cafe also offers a nice spot for a family break with smoothies. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Fiji Museum is an excellent budget-friendly attraction, with admission costing only FJD $5 for adults. Reddit+1 This makes it an affordable way to gain significant cultural and historical knowledge about Fiji. Reddit Opting for cash payment can help you avoid potential credit card surcharges. Reddit Combine your visit with a stroll through the free Thurston Gardens for added value. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Fiji Museum is a must-visit. You'll find exhibits covering early settlement, traditional Fijian life, and maritime history, including the impressive drua replica and the HMS Bounty rudder fragment. Reddit+1 Consider hiring a local guide for a deeper dive into the narratives and context of the artifacts. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Fijian Heritage

The Fiji Museum is a cornerstone for understanding the rich tapestry of Fijian history and culture. It houses a significant collection of artifacts that narrate the story of the islands, from the earliest human settlements to more contemporary periods. Visitors can expect to see items related to traditional Fijian life, including tools, weaponry, and ceremonial objects. The museum also delves into Fiji's maritime history, a crucial aspect of its identity and development. InstagramReddit

A standout exhibit is the impressive ocean-going drua, a traditional Fijian canoe. This replica provides a tangible connection to the seafaring skills of the ancestors who navigated the vast Pacific. The museum also holds a rare artifact: a partial rudder from the HMS Bounty, famously associated with the 'Mutiny on the Bounty'. These exhibits offer a compelling narrative of exploration, trade, and cultural exchange. Reddit+1

Beyond the main displays, the museum is a hub for cultural activities and demonstrations, such as the Veiqia Project community day which featured traditional Fijian tattooing. Instagram It serves as a vital institution for preserving and promoting Fiji's unique heritage for future generations. Instagram

The Charm of Thurston Gardens

Adjacent to the Fiji Museum lies Thurston Gardens, a beautiful botanical oasis in the heart of Suva. This well-maintained garden offers a tranquil escape with a diverse array of tropical flora. It's a perfect place to stroll, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty after exploring the museum's exhibits. Reddit+1

One of the most captivating experiences in Thurston Gardens is observing the fruit bat colony. As dusk approaches, these large bats emerge from the trees, creating a remarkable spectacle. Visitors often gather to watch them take flight, a unique natural phenomenon that adds an extra layer of wonder to a visit. Reddit The gardens also provide a pleasant backdrop for photography and a peaceful environment to reflect on the day's discoveries. Instagram

Navigating Suva's Cultural Hub

The Fiji Museum is situated in a prime location within Suva, making it easily accessible and a central point for cultural exploration. Its proximity to Thurston Gardens enhances the visitor experience, offering both historical insights and natural beauty. InstagramReddit This area serves as a significant cultural hub for the capital city. Instagram

For those looking to immerse themselves further, the museum's gift shop offers a selection of unique items inspired by Fiji's rich culture and heritage, making it a great place to find souvenirs. Instagram The museum's role extends beyond just displaying artifacts; it actively engages with the community, hosting events and demonstrations that highlight Fijian traditions. Instagram+1

You may also like