Mangareva (“floating mountain” in Polynesian) is the principal and most central of the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia. Inhabited since the 12th Century, the works of art from this little island have never been exposed publicly before…


The archipelago is probably the place from where people migrated to Rapa Nui Island (Easter Island). Discovered at the end of the 18th century by the missionary Wilson, the land of Mangareva would not be overrun by westerners until 1826 with the arrival of Beechey. Then there would follow the great missionary adventures of Fathers Laval and Caret, whose work would deeply affect the fate of the Mangarevians.

The end of the 19th century would announce the slow decline in the population, affected by all the evils of the exterior, especially diseases and alcohol. The exhibition gives the opportunity for the public to rediscover this ancient society that in this day and age remains unknown.

To this day, a dozen artefacts relating to the sacred and ritual areas are known to us. These pieces, 11 statues – of figures that are totally or partially anthropomorphic – and 1 drum, are all retained in religious institutions or in museums. Some are only known to the general public by photographs; in fact, the majority are not in the permanent exhibitions in the museums that retain them.

The Mangareva exhibition finally brings them together for show.

Anthropomorphic sculpture of the god Rao © musée du quai Branly photo Hughes Dubois. Support for offerings © musée du quai Branly photo Patrick Gries. Aerial view of Mangareva, photo by FRED used under GNU licence

Here’s all the essential information for the Mangareva – Polynesian Pantheon exhibition at the Quai Branly Museum

When: from 3rd February – 10th May
Where: Musée du Quai Branly, 37 quai Branly, 75007 Paris. Métro Alma-Marceau (line 9). RER line C – Pont de l’Alma. Bus n°s 42, 72, 80, 92
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday from 11am – 7pm. Late night opening Thursday, Friday & Saturday until 9pm. Closed Mondays
Admission: 7 euros adults, 5 euros concessions, or combined ticket with the permanent collection 10 euros / 7 euros. Free for under-18s. Free on Saturdays after 6pm for 18 – 25 year-olds.
Official site: here
Wikipedia page: here

Bigger map here