Papua Museums and Art Galleries

(Papua, Indonesia)



There are a number of museums located within the main cities and towns of Papua, such as Abepura, Agats, Waena and Kota Biak (Pulau Biak). At Wesaput in the Baliem Valley, the Palimo Adat Museum is especially popular and offers information about Papua's famous Dani tribe.

Other good bets in Papua include the Museum Loka Budaya, which is just a short distance from the city of Jayapura. The Museum Loka Budaya is actually part of the Cenderawasih University complex and is best reached by a Sentani to Aberpura taxi.


Cenderawasih Museum

Address: Jalan Sisingamangaraja, Kota Biak, Pulau Biak, Papua, Indonesia, ID
The Cenderawasih Museum is located within the popular resort of Kota Biak, on the island of Pulau Biak, where it is widely advertised by the local tourist office as one of the region's biggest tourist attractions. Whilst that title may well be debatable, the Cenderawasih Museum is certainly worthy of a visit and contains a rather diverse and eclectic collection of war-related artefacts, which range from Second World War military memorabilia and weaponry, to war relics from Japan, which are displayed in the gardens.
Open hours: hours vary / by arrangement
Admission: charge

Palimo Adat Museum

Address: Jalan Musium, Wesaput, Baliem Valley, Papua, Indonesia, ID
Situated close to Wamena and within the acclaimed Baliem Valley, the Palimo Adat Museum is the only museum within the whole region, and so does tend to draw the visitors. The exhibits are based around the Dani tribe from Irian Jaya, who are known for their strong religious beliefs and eccentric traditions, which strangely include actually cutting fingers off women when their family members die. Highlights include various items of clothing, musical instruments and carvings.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 08:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Museum Loka Budaya (Cultural Museum)

Address: Jalan Abepura, Abepura, Papua, Indonesia, ID
The Museum Loka Budaya resides in the Jayapura / Sentani area of Eastern Papua and stands within the town of Abepura. Many wonderful Papuan artefacts are housed here, with the Asmat carvings being quite splendid and amongst the best of their kind in Indonesia, outside of the Agats region.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 07:30 to 16:00
Admission: donations suggested

Museum Negeri (State Museum)

Address: Waena, Papua, Indonesia, ID
Sited in the small town of Waena and close to the Taman Budaya (Cultural Park), the Museum Negeri contains a very reasonable collection of artefacts, which originate from throughout Papua and include both present day and historical items, from periods such as Dutch colonial times. Expect to find wooden carvings and sculptures, traditional Indonesian costumes, boats and regional handicrafts. An onsite souvenir shop completes the main attractions here.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 08:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Taman Budaya (Cultural Park)

Address: Jalan Abepura, Waena, Papua, Indonesia, ID
Waena Cultural Park contains a series of traditional houses, with each of these representing an actual district. Although the condition of the Cultural Park itself is not great, the house exhibits themselves are well laid out, and the admission is completely free of charge.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 08:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Museum Kebudayaan and Kemajuan (Museum of Culture and Progress)

Address: Agats, Asmat, Papua, Indonesia, ID
Known locally as the Museum Kebudayaan and Kemajuan, the Museum of Culture and Progress resides within Eastern Papua, in the small town of Agats (Asmat region), where it stands just a stone's throw to the south of the local mosque. The displays here are quite varied and cultural, with some basic signs and explanations to enhance your visit. You will definitely enjoy your time more if you can manage to find an English-speaking guide.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 08:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge