The J. K. McCarthy Museum was founded in the 1950s as a private initiative of the Rotary Club. It is named for J. K. McCarthy, a prominent colonial administrator who donated much of the museum’s core collection. In 1966, it became a branch of Papua New Guinea’s National Museum and Art Gallery, reflecting the collection’s national significance.

At its heart is an extensive collection of art and material culture from the Eastern Highlands and neighbouring regions. This includes distinctive objects such as Anga mourning necklaces, archaeological material, weapons, pottery, clothing, and ceremonial artefacts. Art and objects from other parts of PNG are also represented.

The museum’s Second World War collection documents fighting in the Highlands and includes a Bell P-39N Airacobra displayed in the grounds. Its Leahy photographic collection, dating principally from the 1930s, provides an especially important visual record of Highland life before and during the period of intensified colonial contact, exploration, and administration.

One gallery is used for exhibitions of local contemporary artists.

The museum also contributes to the conservation of historic places in the region, including the Kafiavana ancient rock-art site and Kainantu Lutheran Church, regarded as the oldest colonial-era building in the Highlands.

See the museum’s facebook page for more information. 

https://www.facebook.com/j.k.mccarthy.museum/about