Live
Kea Kua Art
Gallery Museum
Experience

A sanctuary dedicated to Polynesian art, where history and legends come together to tell the story of the soul of the archipelagos of French Polynesia: the Marquesas, the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Gambiers and the Australs. Here, every sculpture and every work of art is a gateway to Polynesia’s ancestral traditions and stories.

The Wishing Fountain

« Under the gaze of the tikis, the water sings and wishes drift toward infinity »

1. The Guardians of the Fountain
As you approach the fountain, three small tiki appear on the rocks. Water flows gently beside them, and the soft murmur creates a peaceful atmosphere. Each one seems to watch over the place and the wishes of visitors. We pause for a moment, intrigued by their silent presence.

2. The Large Tiki and the Basin
Continuing along the path, the basin comes into view, sheltering the large tiki, the Savage of the Marquesas. It seems to welcome every gaze and protect the wishes left here. Fish swim peacefully around the coins tossed by visitors, adding a lively motion to the scene.

3. The Two Tiki on the Edges
On the edges of the basin, two more tiki complete the scene like extra sentinels. They frame the basin, adding both strength and balance to the fountain’s composition.

4. The Magic of the Fountain
As you move through the space, the fountain reveals its full magic: the gentle sound of water, the watchful eyes of the tiki, and the glimmering coins create an almost enchanted atmosphere. Every step brings the visitor closer to a living legend, where stone, water, and spirit meet.

The Magic Forest

« The forest whispers, and each tree carries the memory of the ancestors »

1. The Spirits of the Forest
As you enter this room, you step into a symbolic space where the invisible becomes visible. Every element has been designed to reflect our spirit, our memory, and our connection to the ancestors.

2. The Path and Atmosphere
You begin by following a path that guides you through the heart of the forest. Colors, light, and illustrations of trees tell the story of life, growth, and the connection between earth and sky — between us and those who came before.

3. The Large Tiki Under the Arch
At the end of the path, a large tiki reveals itself. It is more than a sculpture: it is a protector, a benevolent presence watching over us. The arch beneath which it stands marks the threshold between our world and the spiritual realm.

4. The Small Tiki: Our Ancestors
Around the large tiki, small tiki form a circle. They represent our tupuna, our ancestors. Like a silent family, they watch over us and remind us that we are never alone.

5. The Blue Wall and the Trees
Behind them, the blue wall draws the eye. Its depth evokes the soul, the sky, and infinity. The trees illustrated on this wall create a living connection with ancestors and nature.

6. A Space to Feel
Chairs are placed throughout the room. Sit down, breathe, and let the space speak to you. Every step and every glance brings you closer to the essence of Polynesian culture.

7. An Inner Journey
This room is more than an exhibition space. It is an inner journey, a place of memory and emotion, where the spirits of the forest watch over you and every moment becomes a meeting with the heritage of the ancestors.

The Salon of Mana

« Here, Mana flows between the stones and the rays of the sun, awakening the soul »

1. The Mana Salon
As you enter this room, you discover a warm space where time seems suspended. The stone walls tell ancient stories, and every detail evokes the strength and energy of Mana.

2. The Central Table
At the center, a large table draws the eye. It is the heart of the room, a place for gathering and sharing. Here, Mana flows between visitors, connecting spirits, ideas, memories, and projects.

3. The Stone Benches
Along the walls, stone benches have been added, inviting visitors to sit and feel the room. They offer a moment of pause to absorb the energy of Mana.

4. The Split Polynesian Sun
In the corner, the Polynesian sun is split across two walls: one half on the left wall, the other on the right. This dual glow subtly illuminates the space, symbolizing unity, strength, and the protection of ancestors. Each ray seems to infuse a gentle, benevolent energy into the room.

5. An Atmosphere of Strength and Serenity
The combination of stone, benches, and the sun symbol creates an atmosphere both powerful and calming. You feel protected, connected to Polynesian heritage, and invited to take the time to experience the space.

6. A Place for Reflection
The Salon of Mana is more than an exhibition space. It is a place for meeting, reflection, and inspiration, where every step, glance, and gesture reminds us of Mana’s strength and our connection to our roots.

The Heritage Hall

« Each artifact is a breath of the past, a story engraved in time »

1. The Museum
You enter the main hall of the museum, a space where history takes shape through objects. Each item tells a unique story, reflecting the skill, creativity, and spirit of the ancients.

2. Creations in Swordfish Rostrum
Further on, objects carved from swordfish rostrum catch the eye. Their intricacy and uniqueness reveal technical mastery and the importance of these materials in traditional culture.

3. Penu and Other Treasures
Penu and other artifacts, carefully displayed, invite contemplation. Each shape, engraving, and detail bears witness to a world where the functional and the symbolic meet.

4. A Place of Memory and Knowledge
As you move through the hall, you are enveloped by the weight of history and the richness of transmitted knowledge. It is a place of memory, admiration, and wonder, where every object whispers its story.

The Presentation Niche

« Silent watchers, they bear the strength of the ancients and the wisdom of the chiefs »

1. As you approach the niche, two large tiki stand before you, each framed between two walls. Their imposing presence commands respect and draws immediate attention.

2. These tiki are not ordinary sculptures. They are reserved for high chiefs, placed in front of entrances or funerary houses, symbolizing authority, protection, and connection with ancestors.

3. Each watches silently from its niche, separate yet linked by their presence. They embody strength, memory, and the continuity of tradition.

4. Observing them, you feel the power of the past and the sacred role of these guardians: they remind us that hierarchy, respect, and protection were integral to Polynesian life and spirituality.

Ancestral Sculptures

At the center of the gallery, you’ll discover majestic tikis—sacred statues embodying protective spirits. Each tiki is unique, carved with intricate patterns representing:

Mythological figures
Totem animals
Symbols of protection

According to legend, these tikis were placed in front of houses to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity. Each archipelago has its own variation of tikis, with distinct styles and motifs reflecting their unique environment and history.

Customs and Rituals

The Marquesas are also known for their tattoos, a form of body art that tells the story of the wearer’s life. Tattoo motifs, often found in sculptures, are visual testimonies to bravery, exploits and ancestral lineages. According to legend, the designs were inspired by the gods themselves, passed on to humans so they could honor their ancestors and the spirits of nature. Each archipelago has its own motifs and meanings, reflecting their unique histories and beliefs.

Living Legends

One of the most captivating legends is the origin of the Marquesas:

"It is said that the archipelago was created by the god Oatea, who carved the islands from the bones of his ancestors."

These islands are sacred, and every mountain and valley reflects a divinity or ancestral spirit. Marquesan artists often incorporate these legends into their work, using shapes and symbols to represent these mythical entities. Each archipelago has its own origin stories, such as Tahiti Nui for the Society Islands, or the stories of the great navigators of the Tuamotus.

The Kea Kua Art Experience

Visiting Kea Kua Art is much more than just contemplating works of art: it is immersing yourself in a universe where each piece tells a story.

Kea Kua Art is not just a gallery; it’s a journey through time, an immersion into the soul of a proud and mystical people.

Guided tour

To enrich your experience, Kea Kua Art offers :

Guided tours: Learn the fascinating stories behind each piece of art.

+689 89 79 70 09

contact@arts-polynesiens.com

179 Av. Georges Clémenceau, Papeete, French Polynesia

Tuesday to Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday to Monday: by reservation

Where the art and history of French Polynesia’s five archipelagos come to life.

Live
Kea Kua Art
Gallery Museum
Experience

The Wishing Fountain

The Magic Forest

The Salon of Mana

The Heritage Hall

The Presentation Niche

Ancestral Sculptures

Customs and Rituals

Living Legends

The Kea Kua Art Experience

Guided tour

Liens utiles

Ce que l'on dit de nous...

Live Kea Kua Art Gallery MuseumExperience

The Wishing Fountain

The Magic Forest

The Salon of Mana

The Heritage Hall

The Presentation Niche

Ancestral Sculptures

Customs and Rituals

Living Legends

The Kea Kua Art Experience

Guided tour

Live
Kea Kua Art
Gallery Museum
Experience