Assassinated Jean-Marie Tjibaou was a leader of Kanak pro-independence front. Financed by French government, the Cultural Center Tjibaou is like an act of reconciliation after tragic incidents of late 1980s, when native inhabitants of New Caledonia headed to autonomy from France. The center presents some Melanesian artifacts, but in general contemporary art of Pacific.
Renzo Piano, an Italian architect, designed the museum buildings. Traditional Kanak round huts still found in New Caledonia inspired him, but the design evolved. Buildings standing today resemble more futuristic space station than native huts.
