BY NED GAGAHE
The Solomon Islands’ newest national museum, the Nambawan Haus Museum in Tulagi, Central Province, will officially open on July 28, marking a major milestone in preserving the country’s colonial and cultural heritage.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale is expected to officiate at the opening ceremony, which is jointly hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and the Central Provincial Government, a statement from the Ministry said.
Located in the former official residence of the Resident Commissioner of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate, the restored Nambawan Haus is now the country’s second history museum and a branch of the Solomon Islands National Museum.
The historic building was officially handed over as a heritage site on May 2, 2025, following extensive restoration work.
According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the museum will serve as a centre to preserve and showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of the Central Islands while supporting tourism and education.
“The museum’s story does not end with its opening.
“Ongoing research and community engagement will ensure the exhibition continues to grow, revealing new stories and deepening our understanding of the history and people of the Central Islands,” the ministry said in a statement.
The opening ceremony will begin at 8am at the museum before guests tour the new exhibition. A cultural performance and kastom feast will follow at the Raiders Hotel.
Among the dignitaries expected to attend are British High Commissioner Paul Turner, Japanese Ambassador Keiichi Higuchi, United States Chargé d’Affaires Dan O’Hara, Central Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari, and senior government officials.
A highlight of the museum is the Binabina, a traditional Nggela war canoe that has been revived after generations.
The canoe was handcrafted by William Semu of Haroro, regarded as the last known master canoe builder with the traditional knowledge to construct the vessel using customary materials and techniques.
The Binabina is displayed inside a purpose-built Vale Kiala (Kastom Canoe House), with its construction fully documented to preserve the knowledge for future generations.
The ministry said the museum is expected to become a major tourism attraction for Central Province while providing educational opportunities for students and researchers.
Transportation will be provided for invited guests travelling from Honiara aboard the Auki Express, which will depart Port Cruz Wharf on the morning of the opening ceremony.
The historic building sits on a hill overlooking Tulagi Township, offering panoramic views across Iron Bottom Sound and the surrounding islands. It was once the official residence and office of British Resident Commissioner Charles Woodford, who administered the British Solomon Islands Protectorate from the property during the colonial era.
The residence was abandoned in 1942 during the Japanese invasion of the Solomon Islands in World War II and remained in ruins for decades.
Recognising its historical significance, the National Government and the Central Provincial Government later agreed to restore the building and convert it into the country’s second history museum.
Its transformation into the Nambawan Haus Museum is expected to further strengthen Tulagi’s reputation as one of the Solomon Islands’ premier heritage and World War II tourism destinations, preserving an important chapter of the nation’s colonial history for future generations.
Photo credit: Ministry of Culture and Tourism
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