10 Things to Do at the Kokopo War Museum Rabaul (East New Britain) Papua New Guinea



Located in the East New Britain province of Papua New Guinea, the Kokopo War Museum Rabaul (KWM Rabaul) is a must-see destination for any traveler interested in World War II history. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the war in the Pacific and is home to a variety of artifacts, stories, and exhibits that tell the story of the war in the region. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the Kokopo War Museum Rabaul.

1. Explore the Museum’s Exhibits: The museum’s permanent exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of the war in the Pacific, from the Japanese occupation of Rabaul in 1942 to the Allied victory in 1945. The exhibits feature a variety of artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, and photographs, as well as interactive displays and audio-visual presentations.

2. Attend a Lecture: The museum offers lectures and talks by experts on a variety of topics related to World War II, including the Japanese occupation of Rabaul and the Allied campaign in the Pacific. Lectures are often held in the museum’s auditorium and are open to the public.

3. Visit the Memorial Garden: The museum’s Memorial Garden honors the memory of those who lost their lives during the war in the Pacific. The garden features a variety of monuments and memorials, including a memorial to the Australian and New Zealand troops who fought in the Battle of Rabaul.

4. View the Artifacts: The museum’s collection of artifacts includes a variety of items, such as weapons, uniforms, photographs, and documents. Many of these artifacts are on display in the museum’s galleries.

5. Attend a Reenactment: The museum hosts reenactments of battles and other events from World War II. Visitors can watch as actors in period costumes recreate scenes from the war.

6. Take a Tour: The museum offers guided tours of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as a tour of the Memorial Garden. Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide insight into the history of the war in the Pacific.

7. Participate in a Workshop: The museum offers a variety of workshops and activities for visitors of all ages. Workshops include topics such as model building, map-making, and the history of the war in the Pacific.

8. Visit the Gift Shop: The museum’s gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs, books, and other items related to World War II.

9. Attend a Special Event: The museum hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including lectures, film screenings, and reenactments.

10. Explore the Surrounding Area: The museum is located in the East New Britain province of Papua New Guinea, which is home to a variety of attractions, including beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests. Visitors can explore the area and learn more about the region’s history and culture.

Visiting the Kokopo War Museum Rabaul is an excellent way to learn more about the history of World War II in the Pacific. With its variety of exhibits, lectures, tours, and special events, the museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history of the war in the region.