Robert Louis Stevenson Museum Museum

Address: Vailima, Upolu (near Apia), Samoa

Hours: Typically open daily (hours vary)

Admission: Admission varies; local tourist information lists modest entry fees

The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is located at Vailima on the island of Upolu in Samoa and is housed in the former residence of the writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Stevenson lived at Vailima from the late 1880s until his death in 1894 and the site preserves his home and personal effects.

The house contains furnishings, manuscripts and personal items associated with Stevenson’s final years, and the gardens around the property are part of the visitor experience. Many visitors pair a visit to the house with a walk or short drive to Mount Vaea, where Stevenson’s grave overlooks the island.

Stevenson established his home at Vailima during his final years and the estate later became a museum dedicated to his life and work. The property has been managed and interpreted for visitors as a cultural and literary landmark since the early 20th century.

Vailima lies inland from the Samoan capital Apia on the northern side of Upolu island, within the Tuamasaga administrative district and a short drive from Apia.

• Vailima house and grave: The museum occupies the former Vailima residence of Robert Louis Stevenson and is closely associated with his life on Samoa and with the nearby grave on Mount Vaea.

From Apia, Vailima is a short drive southeast (roughly 10-15 minutes depending on traffic). Mount Vaea and the museum grounds are reached by local roads; taxis or organized tours from Apia are the usual way for visitors without a car.

• Visit Mount Vaea for Stevenson's grave at sunrise - the path is steep but the views over Apia and Vailima are memorable.
• Respect local cultural practices; Vailima is a place of literary pilgrimage and a working site with staff and caretakers.