Art and cultural objects from Papua New Guinea are proudly held in many major museums across the world. The creativity and traditions they embody are widely admired and have long inspired artists, writers, and audiences globally. Alongside treasures collected during early explorations and the colonial period, many museums now also showcase dynamic contemporary works that reflect new narratives and evolving cultural perspectives.

As part of this historic year of celebration and collaboration, WanBel extended an invitation to museums with significant Papua New Guinea collections to participate. We are delighted that 40 museums from 14 countries have already joined the WanBel network. Collectively, these institutions safeguard an important part of Papua New Guinea’s cultural heritage, treasures that inspire millions of visitors worldwide every year. Together, they represent one of the most significant global engagements with PNG culture to date, amplifying our shared commitment to honouring the past while inspiring the future.