Belau National MuseumAbout Belau National Museum
The Belau National Museum is Palau’s national museum located in Koror, serving as the principal repository for the country’s cultural, historical and natural collections. It functions as the main public museum for Palauan heritage and material culture.
Exhibition space covers traditional cultural objects, ethnographic material, archaeological finds and items related to World War II history, alongside natural history specimens and photographic archives. Displays typically include traditional boats, tools, clothing and community-donated objects that illustrate Palauan life and history.
The museum was created in the mid-20th century to preserve Palauan cultural and historical materials and has assembled its collections through local donations, archaeological recovery and field research. It also supports community education and documentation of intangible cultural heritage.
Situated in the town of Koror on the island of Koror, the museum is a short drive from the main transport hubs on the islands and is straightforward to visit as part of travel around Koror and nearby island attractions.
- Location: Located in the main town of Koror, making it reachable on a short visit from the island’s main harbour and services.
- Collections: Holds Palau’s principal public collection of cultural, historical and natural specimens and objects.
Best Time to Visit Belau National Museum
Year-round access; dry season (Dec-Apr) is best for pairing museum visits with outdoor activities in Palau.
Weather & Climate near Belau National Museum
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (3584 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 22° - 29° | 25° | 275 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 220 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 23° - 30° | 27° | 197 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 24° - 31° | 27° | 222 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 24° - 31° | 27° | 279 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 23° - 30° | 27° | 421 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 422 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 365 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 289 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 329 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 268 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 22° - 29° | 26° | 297 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Belau National Museum
The museum is in Koror, Palau’s main town. It is within walking distance of most hotels in Koror; taxis are available from Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR).
Tips for Visiting Belau National Museum
- Visit early in the day when local school groups have not yet filled the small galleries.
- Speak to the staff about guided tours - the museum's curators are often willing to explain objects that do not have English labels.
- Don't miss the outdoor display area near the museum that showcases traditional outrigger canoes and house-forms.