Exterior Designed to celebrate the vernacular Kanak culture—the indigenous culture of New Caledonia—the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre was named after the leader of the independence movement who was assassinated in 1989 and who had a vision of establishing a cultural centre which blended the linguistic and artistic heritage of the Kanak people.  Photo 12 of 13 in 12 Renzo Piano Buildings We Love

12 Renzo Piano Buildings We Love

12 of 13

Designed to celebrate the vernacular Kanak culture (the indigenous culture of New Caledonia), the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre was named after the leader of the independence movement, who was assassinated in 1989 and had a vision of establishing a cultural center that would blend the linguistic and artistic heritage of the Kanak people.