Tahiti Tourisme’s latest newsletter (June 2025 edition) brilliantly highlights Kea Kua Art, crowning this Polynesian sanctuary as the must-see cultural destination of the moment. Located on Mamao, Avenue Georges Clémenceau Papeete, this gallery-museum tops the list of recommendations, praising the quality of its welcome, the authenticity of its approach and the richness of its content.
An extraordinary sanctuary
Kea Kua Art invites visitors to remove their shoes at the entrance, as a sign of respect and connection with “mana”: the sacred energy of Polynesian culture. The stone walls, carved in the manner of sacred caves in the Marquesas Islands, create a timeless atmosphere, where each work becomes a gateway to the legends of the archipelagos.
Immerse yourself in the culture of the archipelagos
The space is organized into two sections :
- The Gallery, a sales outlet where sculptures in wood, stone and bone embody the vitality of mana and offer visitors the privilege of taking home a fragment of this spirituality.
- The Museum, a private setting showcasing the personal collection of Guillaume Proia – a passionate founder – as well as works by well-known local sculptors.
Te Toa Maū Tini
At the heart of Kea Kua Art sits the majestic sculpture “Te Toa Maū Tini” : the wisdom of the warrior. Carved in stone, it embodies the protective strength and benevolence of ancient Polynesian spirits, capturing the very essence of the encounter between man and nature.
A guided & lively experience
Kea Kua Art offers guided tours that plunge visitors into the world of myths, rituals and ancestral skills (tattooing, sculpture, weaving, etc.). The tour tells the stories of the Marquesas, Austral, Society, Tuamotu and Gambier islands, with each work illustrating a piece of Polynesian legend.
In the newsletter, Tahiti Tourisme highlights several major assets of Kea Kua Art :
- Authentic cultural immersion : sacred atmosphere, in-depth explanations of symbols and rituals.
- A unique space : architecture and ambience reminiscent of ancestral sanctuaries, magnifying the experience.
- Support for local artists : promoting Polynesian sculptors and their heritage.
- Accessibility and services : open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Tuesday to Saturday), visits by appointment on other days.
In a nutshell
Top of Tahiti Tourisme’s list of recommendations, Kea Kua Art is a flagship institution for Polynesian culture. Much more than an exhibition space, it’s a truly immersive, sensory and educational experience, at the heart of the archipelago’s soul.
For visitors, whether local or passing through, Kea Kua Art offers :
- A visual and spiritual journey through legends.
- Encountering heritage bearers – artists and craftspeople.
- Unique souvenirs in the form of works embodying the mana and history of Tahiti.