Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center, Noumea, New Caledonia

Nestled five miles away from Noumea, the capital city of New Caledonia, Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center is a structure celebrating the culture of the Kanak, the indigenous Melanesians occupying the archipelago. The center was actually named in honor of Jean-Marie Tjibaou, an independence movement leader who had envisioned to create a cultural center showcasing the Kanak people’s artistic and linguistic heritage. This became a reality when Renzo Piano, an Italian architect, designed the structure and unveiled it in June 1998. The cultural center features an 820-ft long formal curved axial layout with ten huge conical pavilions that were inspired by the design of the traditional Kanak Grand Hut. The landscape where the structure was built upon also features traditional design elements.

Aside from Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center in Noumea, there are also other sites worth visiting in and around the city. The Aquarium des Lagons sits within a 20-minute drive from the center and takes visitors on an underwater paradise full of stunning New Caledonian marine animals. The family-friendly Hotel Le Lagon Noumea is a mere 13-minute walk from the aquarium, making it readily accessible and convenient to stay at. There is also a full-service spa right in the property. The Noumea Cathedral, on the other hand, is roughly a 45-minute walk from the hotel. This Roman Catholic Church served as the seat of the Archdiocese of Nouméa since the mid-1960's. If you plan on visiting this iconic landmark, check out the five-star Le Méridien Noumea Resort & Spa, which is roughly three miles away. This upscale hotel is nestled by the beach and features an on-site casino and health club.