Bishop Museum Celebrates Tatau: Marks of Polynesia With a Closing Festival

Bishop Museum Celebrates Tatau: Marks of Polynesia With a Closing Festival

Event to feature traditional tattoo demonstrations from Sāmoa, Tonga, and Hawaiʻi with cultural food and music, and keiki activities.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi — Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum celebrates its exhibition, Tatau: Marks of Polynesia with a Closing Festival this Saturday, July 2, 2022 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. throughout its campus.

The Festival marks the closing weekend of the exhibition, and will feature traditional tattoo demonstrations from Sāmoa, Tonga, and Hawaiʻi, along with cultural food and music, and keiki activities.

"We're extremely grateful to Suluʻape Steve Looney, Danielle Steffany-Looney, and the Suluʻape Family; John Agcaoili, whose photographs are featured in the exhibition; the Japanese American National Museum; and our corporate and community partners for their support in making this exhibition come to life," said Brandon Bunag, vice president of public programs and interim director of education. "Tatau: Marks of Polynesia has shared the tradition and cultural significance of tatau and its influence around the world, and we celebrate the exhibition and the people who are part of it with this Closing Festival."

Tatau: Marks of Polynesia closes on Monday, July 4. Through photographs taken in a studio and on location in Sāmoa, the exhibition showcases the work of traditional tatau masters alongside that of younger practitioners and artists who are adopting tatau's motifs and styles for new media and art forms.

The exhibition shares what tatau signifies in Samoan culture, and how it helps Samoans and other Polynesians living abroad stay connected to their identity and heritage.

The Closing Festival is included with Museum admission. A full Festival timeline can be found below. Information on Tatau: Marks of Polynesia can be found at BishopMuseum.org/Tatau.

Tatau: Marks of Polynesia Closing Festival | Timeline

• 9 a.m.:Doors open | Food trucks, arts and craft booths on the Great Lawn
• 9:45 a.m.:ʻAva ceremony
• 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.:"Tatau: Marks of Polynesia" panel conversation in the Hawaiian Hall Atrium
• 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.:Live tatau demonstrations and keiki activities on the Gallery Lawn. Live music and performances by John Akapo, Kalehua Krug and ʻOhana, Tali Letuli, Kasanita Tavale, and Alo O Sāmoa on the Upper Great Lawn.
• 3 p.m.:Taualuga Closing Performance on the Upper Great Lawn

Media who would like to cover the event are requested to RSVP with Lance Aquino via the contact information above. On event day, media are requested to check in at the Museum's Security Desk, located on the ʻEwa side of its campus. Upon entering the Museum's main vehicle entrance, turn right and drive forward to park in the employee parking lot. Look for a large sign marked "Security"; the Security Desk is located right behind the sign at the entrance of the building. Media will be asked to exchange a form of identification for a Media Badge, which should be worn at all times.

Note that while there are no external lighting restrictions for the photographs featured in the exhibition, external lighting should not be used on any of the collection items on display (ceremonial headdresses, traditional clothing, tattooing implements, etc.)

Bishop Museum Admission, Parking, and Hours

Timed General Admissions can be booked on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at BishopMuseum.org/Tickets. Tickets for Bishop Museum After Hours events can be purchased via this same webpage.

The safety and health of our visitors and employees remain our highest priorities. Face masks are optional but strongly encouraged. Learn more on our Health & Safety page.

General Admission

| | Weekdays | Weekends | |------------------------|----------|----------| | Adults: | $26.95 | $28.95 | | Seniors (65+): | $23.95 | $25.95 | | Youth (4–17): | $18.95 | $20.95 | | Children (3 and under):| Free | Free |

Hawaiʻi Residents, Hawaiʻi College Students, and Military with ID

Adults: $14.95 Seniors (65+): $12.95 Youth (4-17): $10.95 Children (3 and under): Free

Children age 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Bishop Museum Annual Membership levels include free general admission and parking for 12 months. Learn more at BishopMuseum.org/Membership.

J. Watumull Planetarium tickets can be purchased at the Box Office after admission to the Museum; shows are free for Bishop Museum Members, but must be obtained at the Box Office in person on a first-come, first-served basis.

*Parking Rates* Daytime Rate: 6 a.m.–5 p.m. $5.00 Evening Rate: 5 p.m.–10 p.m. $3.00

*Hours* Open every day from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving and on Christmas Day.

Bishop Museum Café by Highway Inn offers a limited menu of bowls, sandwiches, and snacks from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. daily. Bishop Museum Members receive a 10% discount with their membership card.