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The Ecomuseum 


Located at the entrance of ʻOpunohu Bay, Fare Natura aims to be a true showcase of the richness of Polynesian culture and biodiversity. Nestled between the mountain ridges and the bay —open to the ocean through the Taʻareu pass— the Ecomuseum lies at the heart of Polynesian ecosystems, blending seamlessly into its surroundings through forms and colors inspired by nature.

Founded in 2012 from an original initiative by researchers at CRIOBE, Fare Natura is operated by the École Pratique des Hautes Études, a public higher education institution established in 1868, with particular expertise in Life and Earth Sciences.




"A very nice museum — engaging, fun, and beautifully presented. We had the pleasure of being accompanied by a highly knowledgeable guide who shared his passion for Polynesia and its fragile ecosystem. It was extremely interesting and captivating; we learned so much."

Christine H. - 2025

The Ecomuseum 


Located at the entrance of ʻOpunohu Bay, Fare Natura aims to be a true showcase of the richness of Polynesian culture and biodiversity. Nestled between the mountain ridges and the bay —open to the ocean through the Taʻareu pass— the Ecomuseum lies at the heart of Polynesian ecosystems, blending seamlessly into its surroundings through forms and colors inspired by nature.

Founded in 2012 from an original initiative by researchers at CRIOBE, Fare Natura is operated by the École Pratique des Hautes Études, a public higher education institution established in 1868, with particular expertise in Life and Earth Sciences.

"A very nice museum — engaging, fun, and beautifully presented. We had the pleasure of being accompanied by a highly knowledgeable guide who shared his passion for Polynesia and its fragile ecosystem. It was extremely interesting and captivating; we learned so much."

Christine H. - 2025

A unique architecture

Fare Natura is a bioclimatic building designed to adapt to its environment. Its shape is inspired by the traveler’s tree and the seashell, bringing together marine and terrestrial themes. Its 18-meter-high nave and openings on both sides ensure natural ventilation, reducing the indoor temperature by approximately 5°C. Solar panels supply up to two-thirds of the building’s energy needs during sunny periods.

A unique architecture

Fare Natura is a bioclimatic building designed to adapt to its environment. Its shape is inspired by the traveler’s tree and the seashell, bringing together marine and terrestrial themes. Its 18-meter-high nave and openings on both sides ensure natural ventilation, reducing the indoor temperature by approximately 5°C. Solar panels supply up to two-thirds of the building’s energy needs during sunny periods.

Permanent exhibitions

The permanent exhibitions present marine and terrestrial ecosystems through aquariums, photographic exhibitions, projections, and interactive videos. The promotion of Polynesian culture and the transmission of ancestral knowledge also play an important role at Fare Natura.

Learn more

Permanent exhibitions

The permanent exhibitions present marine and terrestrial ecosystems through aquariums, photographic exhibitions, projections, and interactive videos. The promotion of Polynesian culture and the transmission of ancestral knowledge also play an important role at Fare Natura.

Learn more

Temporary exhibitions

Numerous temporary exhibitions address key themes related to Polynesian natural and cultural heritage. 

Learn more

Temporary exhibitions

Numerous temporary exhibitions address key themes related to Polynesian natural and cultural heritage. 

Learn more

An immersive approach

Fare Natura offers an innovative immersive approach combining 270° projections, virtual reality, and interactive games. This sensory and playful immersion fosters a dynamic, engaging, and lasting learning experience.

Virtual reality headset

Dive into the heart of the White Valley to discover sharks and corals, and soar over the Papenoo Valley.​

270° projection

Discover the Fakarava lagoon, glide inside a coral, and observe sharks, whales, and much more in an immersive experience..

Interactive learning games

Build your own coral reef to help combat climate change and solve biodiversity-related challenges. 

An immersive approach

Fare Natura offers an innovative immersive approach combining 270° projections, virtual reality, and interactive games. This sensory and playful immersion fosters a dynamic, engaging, and lasting learning experience.

Virtual reality headset

Dive into the heart of the White Valley to discover sharks and corals, and soar over the Papenoo Valley.​

270° projection

Discover the Fakarava lagoon, glide inside a coral, and observe sharks, whales, and much more in an immersive experience..

Interactive learning games

Build your own coral reef to help combat climate change and solve biodiversity-related challenges. 

Guides visits included

Local guides accompany visitors free of charge and present the exhibitions in a lively and accessible way. They offer an enriching experience combining discovery, exchange, and wonder, exploring terrestrial and marine biodiversity, Polynesian culture, and the deep connections between people and nature.

 


Guides visits included

Local guides accompany visitors free of charge and present the exhibitions in a lively and accessible way. They offer an enriching experience combining discovery, exchange, and wonder, exploring terrestrial and marine biodiversity, Polynesian culture, and the deep connections between people and nature.

Shop

Discover Fare Natura Ecomuseum shop, a space dedicated to the beauty and richness of Polynesian nature. You will find a carefully curated selection of local products, including natural cosmetics, books and traditional tales, games, art reproductions, postcards, clothing, and souvenirs for visitors of all ages.​

A place where every object tells a story, blending local craftsmanship, respect for nature, and inspiration drawn from the natural world.

Partula reserve

As part of an international conservation program conducted in partnership with the Zoological Society of London and the Direction de l'Environnement de la Polynésie française, Te Fare Natura Ecomuseum has established a reserve for Partula, an protected endemic tree-dwelling snail species, critically endangered. 

Come and learn more about this fascinating species.

Shop

Discover Fare Natura Ecomuseum shop, a space dedicated to the beauty and richness of Polynesian nature. You will find a carefully curated selection of local products, including natural cosmetics, books and traditional tales, games, art reproductions, postcards, clothing, and souvenirs for visitors of all ages.​

A place where every object tells a story, blending local craftsmanship, respect for nature, and inspiration drawn from the natural world.

Gardens

The Ecomuseum features a garden open to all. A wide variety of plants, along with relaxation areas, are accessible to Fare Natura visitors.

Gardens

The Ecomuseum features a garden open to all. A wide variety of plants, along with relaxation areas, are accessible to Fare Natura visitors.

360° virtual visit

Explore the Ecomuseum through an immersive virtual tour: move through its different spaces and delve into the heart of the permanent exhibitions.​