musee de la perle robert wan - the robert wan pearl museum

This fellow is a big pearl jewelry designer. They have a small history of pearls display. They have pearl farms and raise their own pearls for inclusion with their jewelry. Check out the museum , look at the lovely jewelry but be aware that those are super premium prices.

I guess the word museum is loose, this is not national treasure museum curated by the government. It is an elaborate pearl shop. Papeete is stuffed with pearl shops. the WAN brothers are Chinese immigrants who have done well in Tahiti, Robert has the tourism and pearls, his brothers has the Carrefour supermarket franchise and others.So don't be fooled what this is, but it is has interest of course. It's real raison d'etre is to get you part with your cash, and if you don't here he can get it at the intercontinental hotel and the airport too... Wan pearls and shops are all over.

We tacked this venue on at the end of a long day walking around Papeete, but it was worth it. A great display of Tahitian black pearls, and the history of pearl diving and culturing. You are not pushed to purchase anything, although Mr, Wan would liek it if you did. Compare prices before you buy with other shops.

Shop looks nice. All black pearl were presented nicely. Did not buy because they were very expensive.

This museum is inevitable when you visit Tahiti !The only one about the Polynesian treasure, the pearl

They have a room, half the building, with displays the origins and progression of pearl harvesting.The rest of the building is a pearl salesroom. The staff is very friendly and will explain the grades of pearls. They are not pushy at all but are there of course to try to sell you pearls.

We visited the pearl museum as we wanted more information about pearls. It is very small, and located inside the pearl shop in Papeete. There is a model of a diver under the ocean and some information about black pearls. In brief, it was rather disappointing and not very informative. Would not recommend just to go there to see the pearl museum. However, this is very close to the shopping center, a short walk. There is parking at the back of the shop.

The museum was free and is very small as it is located in the pearl shop. We felt they were trying to lure us to buy something. When we first entered the owner was all over us and showing us everything. Right when he noticed that we were just here to see the museum and not interested to buy anything, he ignored us the rest of the time. We noticed this with many other customers. We spent a fair amount of time in the museum but the owner kept on staring at us giving the 'get out of here if you aren't buying anything' face.The museum was interesting and educational but very simple. It took less than 40 minutes to finish. The exhibits talked about the history, cultivation and culture. Quite interesting considering it was free.

We thought it was a ripoff untill we went in. Great displays on how pearls are cultured and nurtured. Large dioramas. Many have explanations in multiple languages. Several large displays of pears in history. worth 30 -45 minutes. Near the sea shore. Walk around. No pressure from them to buy, Your wife may be tempted.

Walking along Rue Pomare at the corner of Rue du Tempe we discovered the Robert Wan Pearl shop and Pearl Museum, claimed to be the largest pearl museum in the world. The museum is free and was a wonderful discovery. The museum is divided in two sections with the retail operation in the centre of the building. There are displays of ancient pearls, how they were discovered and used. There are displays of royal clothing and headdresses of the past. There is a display of Christopher Columbus’s discovery of pearls in the new world and the impact of this discovery in Europe. There is a display of current seeding and cultivation techniques.This is certainly a place to wander in, discover and learn some history and marvel at the beauty of the various pearls. Friendly welcome and no pressure to buy.

We probably spent close to an hour here. We are not planning a pearl factory tour, but wanted the low-down and got it here. Wan has clearly made this a showcase for his industry and wants his employees to live up to the promise that the store is integrated for patrons' convenience and education, not to push sales. They are clearly NOT on commission, as in so many cruise-stop jewelry stores!The displays include extensive educational captions, and it's hard to believe you could read it all in under 30 minutes, much less study and admire the displays. Museum is arranged in two areas: history and science/production/grading, with retail displays between. Also note that the history display is a comprehensive review of all pearls, not just the black Polynesian varieties.

As we entered, we were greeted by an obvious sales person, but asked if we were there for the museum. After responding 'Yes', we were left to ourselves. It is a small museum, but VERY well put together! I learned a lot about the creation of a pearl, and the history of it's use. Prices in the store area were very high, but interesting to keep in mind when shopping elsewhere. The one advantage here is that these pearls are XRayed (for quality and thickness), and a certificate given with the pearls, so there is no trouble at customs. We bought ours on another island, at a pearl farm, but had the knowledge from here to bargain with.The added bonus is that there is air conditioning!

It provided an 'eye-popping' selection of black pearls to whet your appetite and a bit of the background of the industry. It's an easy visit in an hour or so and very enjoyable.

The museum is a set of very elaborate, life-size dioramas illustrating the history of the pearl. Wan's also has a fine collection of pearls in custom settings, which I enjoyed looking at. There are salespeople around, but they are not high-pressure and are respectful.

Although small, this museum covers everything you might want to know about pearls. The museum is housed inside the WAN Pearl store. When you enter, on your left are exhibits focusing on the history, technique and science relating to pearls. On the right-hand side of the store are exhibits that include WAN's personal pearl collection (the largest pearl in the world), and pearls presented as part of historical costumes and wardrobes. I enjoyed seeing the different oyster shell shapes and colors from all over the world. And don't miss the pearl bikini that is encased and hung in the boutique section and was worn by a Tahitian dancer for a reception in 2003.