Nambawan Haus Museum in Tulagi officially opens, marking significant milestone to preserve cultural and colonial heritage of CIP and Solomon Islands

Honiara, Solomon Islands – 30/07/2026: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has officially opened the Nambawan Haus Museum in Tulagi, Central Islands province.

Inaugurated on Tuesday 28^th July, the museum is the country’s second national museum and reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the stories, traditions and memories that define the people of Central Islands province and Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale was officiated at the opening ceremony, joined by representatives of bilateral partner countries, senior government officials, Central Islands provincial Premier Kenneth Sagupari and members of his provincial government and local communities.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister for Culture and Tourism Hon. James Bonuga described the museum as a living institution that will preserve the history, identity and memories of the people of Central Islands province and Solomon Islands for future generations.

“For too long, many priceless artefacts, photographs, documents and oral histories have remained vulnerable to loss.

“This museum will become a permanent guardian of our shared memory—a place where our children will learn about their identity, researchers can deepen their understanding of our history, and visitors from around the world can discover the remarkable story of the Kula people and the Central Islands,” he said.

The museum’s exhibitions trace more than 2,500 years of Kula history, highlight Tulagi’s role as the first administrative capital during the British colonial era, the Pacific theatre of the Second World War in Tulagi, and showcase other significant events that have shaped Solomon Islands.

British High Commissioner, His Excellency Paul Turner reflected on the shared history between the United Kingdom and Solomon Islands, as well as the rich heritage of the Kula people, which the museum will continue to preserve and celebrate.

“The relationship between Solomon Islands and Britain is full of stories and memories spanning more than a hundred years. It is a relationship that has included moments of cooperation and progress, but also the harsh realities of the colonial era,” he said.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy, His Excellency Dan P. O’Hara, and Counsellor Maruo Katsumasa from the Embassy of Japan in Honiara, also reflected on the history of the Second World War in Tulagi, highlighting how those events forged lasting relationships between them and the people of Solomon Islands.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jonathan Curr said the Nambawan Haus Museum is much more than a collection of artefacts.

“It is a place of memory, learning, connection and preserved knowledge that might otherwise be lost for future generations.

“The history preserved in the museum reminds us of our shared past and the sacrifices made by many during one of the most difficult periods in our region’s history,” he said.

Minister Bonuga said these stories remind Solomon Islanders of a simple but powerful truth: history shapes our identity, teaches resilience and guides our future.

He also highlighted the significant economic opportunities that heritage tourism creates through increased visitor arrivals, education, investment and employment.

“This museum will strengthen Tulagi’s place within our national tourism strategy while contributing to our broader vision of positioning Solomon Islands as a destination celebrated not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural and historical heritage,” he said.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr Bunyan Sivoro said that while the museum has officially opened, the project is far from complete.

He said the next phase will focus on landscaping the museum grounds, expanding and enriching the collections, improving interpretation and visitor experiences, and ensuring the museum continues to grow as new historical knowledge emerges.

Sivoro added that improving infrastructure throughout Tulagi, particularly road access and connectivity to the island’s many heritage sites, will allow visitors fully experience Tulagi’s history and strengthen its position as one of country’s main cultural tourism destinations.

The Ministry will pursue technical assistance to develop a National Museum Strategy to guide the sustainable development and management of museums throughout Solomon Islands.

Mr Sivoro acknowledged the collective efforts of all stakeholders and partners who contributed to the development of the Nambawan Haus Museum project.

The Ministry also invites development partners to continue walk alongside them to further strengthen Nambawan Haus Museum and develop future heritage initiatives throughout the province.

Western view of the newly opened Nambawan Haus Museum in Tulagi, Central Islands province.

Prime Minister Matthew Wale and members of the diplomatic corps tour the Vale Kiala house, where a traditional war canoe, Binabina war canoe is on display

(L-R) Premier of Central province, Hon. Kenneth Sagupari, Prime Minister, Hon. Matthew Wale and Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga cut the ribbon to officially open the Nambawan Haus Museum in Tulagi, Central province.

A group photo of PM Wale, representatives from diplomatic corps, PS of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Bunyan Sivoro and his Minister Hon. James Bonuga and Premier Kenneth Sagupari, in front of the newly opened Nambawan Haus Museum in Tulagi.

PM Wale and High Commissioner Curr join other guests touring inside the newly opened Nambawan Haus Museum

Premier of Central province, Hon. Kenneth Sagupari presents a traditional gift to Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga, showing appreciation for their partnership and efforts behind the successful establishment of the Nambawan Haus Museum in Tulagi.

Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga is taking a look at one of the exhibited artefacts in the newly opened Nambawan Haus Museum in Tulagi.

Premier of Central Islands province, Hon. Kenneth Sagupari greets Sir Bruce and Lady Kathie Saunders upon their arrival at the Nambawan Haus Museum for the official opening ceremony.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr Bunyan Sivoro (right) and his Minister, Hon. James Bonuga escort Prime Minister Matthew Wale and Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane, Vice Admiral Joseph Buzzella upon their arrival at the Nambawan Haus Museum for the official opening ceremony.

Representatives from diplomatic corps and guests during the opening of the Nambawan Haus Museum on Tuesday this week, in Tulagi, Central Islands province.