Unearthing Fiji’s history at the Fiji Museum

Travel back in time with a visit to one of Fiji’s oldest buildings – the Fiji Museum.

Tucked away from the busy streets of Suva City, the Fiji Museum holds a vast historical collection of Fiji's archaeological materials that dated back to 3700 years ago.

Established in 1955, a step into the 70-year-old building would evoke a nostalgic feeling and a sense of appreciation for Fiji’s history, that is well preserved.

Historic background

Looking at its historic background, the establishment of the Fiji Museum goes back to 1908 when the Fijian Society was formed with the specific aim of researching and preserving the country’s history and culture.

According to the Fiji Museum website, the formation of a museum was included in this aim.

In 1910 the government approved an annual grant of £25 to appoint a collection caretaker.

With the passing of the Fiji Museum Ordinance in 1929, the museum was formally inaugurated as a Government Statutory Body with a Board of Trustees.

The current museum was opened in 1955 by the Governor of Fiji, Sir Ronald Garvey.

Today the building has two adjoining sections, the first constructed in 1972 and the second in 1978.

Getting to the Fiji Museum

If you're thinking of visiting the Fiji Museum, there are simple ways to get there.

Visitors could either get on a taxi or get on the Nasese Bus from the Suva Bus Stand, which is an eight-minute bus ride to the Fiji Museum.

The bus fare is $0.92 and is payable electronically through the e-ticketing bus fare payment system using an e-transport card which can be obtained from any Vodafone outlet.

As you enter the gates to the colonial structure building, tall trees and the cool breeze from the nearby Nasese foreshore, adds to the peaceful atmosphere that would greet visitors as they enter the Fiji Museum.

Recently, the Fiji Museum underwent a new face lift.

This meant the expansion of its gallery, which provided more storage area to house over 10,000 historic items.

This gave the Fiji Museum an opportunity to show visitors more historic items to view and understand the history of Fiji.

As visitors enter the newly refurbished Fiji Museum, the scent of old wood and the quiet echo of footsteps and whispers of visitors’ pointing at displayed historic items, truly sets the tone of treasured sacredness.

The new facelift really added a modern touch to how the old artifacts were displayed for visitors.

Protected by glass cubicles that were lit up, everything and anything about Fiji’s history or important artifacts were proudly displayed.

Even the military uniform of the late Revered Statesman Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, was displayed with awarded medals that were still visibly intact to the uniform.

Entrance of Thurston Garden in Suva.

Photo: Laiseana Nasiga

Thurston Garden

Adjacent to the Fiji Museum is another of Suva’s popular attractions, called Thurston Garden.

With no admission fees, members of the public, tourists, family and friends can even enjoy a relaxed sit-down or picnic.

Thurston garden openly displays various horticultural species such as the red flame tree that blossoms around October.

Visitors can walk along the garden’s trails, and see the natural beauty of Fiji’s native flora, which included tropical trees, palms, ferns, colorful gingers and water lilies.

Walking trails at the Thurston Garden

Photo: Laiseana Nasiga

Thurston Garden is also a popular destination for photoshoots of special moments such as graduation, wedding, birthday or any small family functions.

Managed by the Suva City Council, Thurston Garden was first founded in 1881 by Sir John Bates Thurston, an amateur botanist.

According to the Suva City website, Thurston Garden also includes the Thurston Express, a locomotive once used to transport sugar cane that now serves as a fun, stationary attraction for children to climb on; and a bandstand and clock tower dedicated to the G.J. Marks, the mayor of Suva who drowned in 1914.

The water fountain which was presented by Sir Henry Marks for public use in January, 1914.

Photo: Laiseana Nasiga

 Feedback: laiseana.nasiga@fijisun.com.fj