Plizio Visual Lab
Peter Joseph WWII Museum
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
museum
The Peter Joseph WWII Museum in Munda, on New Georgia island, is a world-renowned private collection of military artifacts from the Pacific theater. Founded by Barney Paulsen, who spent decades salvaging relics from the surrounding jungles, the museum is named after Peter Joseph, the first US soldier whose dog tag was discovered by Paulsen. The collection features an extraordinary array of items, including machine guns, grenades, helmets, personal soldier effects, and wreckage from aircraft and vehicles. Unlike state-run institutions, this museum gives a deeply personal and raw perspective on the conflict, as many objects were recovered directly from nearby battlefields. The museum stands as a testament to the fierce combat that occurred in 1943 during the Allied offensive to capture the Munda airfield. It is a vital destination for historians and travelers seeking to grasp the human and material scale of the war in the Solomon Islands.
- Location: Solomon Islands
- Top sights: Munda, Solomon Islands · Kiambe
- Nearby: Buni (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 308 | 347 | 306 | 238 | 267 | 251 | 288 | 232 | 243 | 254 | 204 | 222 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Peter Joseph WWII Museum is a private museum in Munda with an impressive collection of war relics. It is named after a US soldier whose dog tag was found; entry is usually charged.
Typical hours
The museum is typically open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Sundays it is usually closed; it is advisable to call ahead as hours may vary.
Photography
In the exhibition rooms, photography is usually allowed without flash. Ask the owner about special items that may not be photographed.
Time needed
A visit usually takes one to one and a half hours when examining all exhibits carefully. History enthusiasts may spend up to two hours.
Combine with
The museum is near the Munda Airfield Monument and the airport. Combining it with a visit to local markets or Munda's beaches is recommended.
Getting there
The museum is on Munda's main street, a few minutes' walk from the airport. Taxis and buses stop nearby; it is also easily accessible on foot.
Insider tip
Talk to the museum owner - he often shares personal stories about the exhibits. A small donation is appreciated.
Geography
Facts
- The museum was established entirely by local collector Barney Paulsen.
- It is named after the first US soldier's dog tag found in the area.
- The collection includes over 100 different types of machine guns.
- The site commemorates the 1943 battles for the strategic Munda airfield.
- Original ammunition and defused grenades are on display for visitors.
- The museum is conveniently located near the modern Munda airport.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Peter Joseph WWII Museum (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Peter Joseph Museum?
It houses an impressive collection of private war memorabilia.
Do I need to make an appointment for the museum?
It is better to check with the operators beforehand.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, an entry fee is charged to maintain the collection.
How long does a visit take?
About 45 minutes are enough to see the collection.
Is it recommended for history enthusiasts?
Absolutely, the museum gives a unique private insight into the era.
Peter Joseph WWII Museum: where is it located?
Peter Joseph WWII Museum is located in Solomon Islands.
Peter Joseph WWII Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Munda, Solomon Islands, Kiambe.
Peter Joseph WWII Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Nov, Dec.
Peter Joseph WWII Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Peter Joseph WWII Museum in Munda, on New Georgia island, is a world-renowned private collection of military artifacts from the Pacific theater.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Solomon Islands →
Nearby cities
Honiara
The capital of the Solomon Islands is located on the north coast of Guadalcanal.
Point Cruz Business District
This district in Honiara is the commercial heart of the country.
🗺️
Kokumbona
A former village west of Honiara that served as the headquarters for the Japanese 17th Army during the Guadalcanal campaign.
Gizo
Gizo is the administrative center of the Western Province and is known for its tourism importance.
Gizo Town
The administrative center of the Western Province.
Maru
Maru is a coastal community near Gizo, known for its traditional fishing practices.
Buala
Buala is the capital of Isabel Province, located on the Maringe Lagoon.
🗺️
Munda Logistics Center
Munda on New Georgia Island serves as a strategic logistics hub.
Munda
Munda is the largest settlement on the island of New Georgia.
Lambeti
A village near Munda that was the scene of heavy fighting as Allied forces advanced toward the Munda airstrip in 1943.
Taro Island Trade Post
Taro Island is the capital of Choiseul Province.
Taro
Taro is the capital of Choiseul Province, located on a small island in Choiseul Bay.
Buni
Buni is a coastal settlement in the Western Province, known for its scenic beauty.
🗺️
Lola Island
A peaceful retreat in the Vonavona Lagoon, home to the Zipolo Habu Resort and famous for its fishing and surfing.
Ringgi Cove
Ringgi Cove is a settlement on the west coast of Kolombangara, serving as a base for forestry operations.
History & landmarks
Honiara City Council
The city council's administrative building is the hub of Honiara's local government.
🗺️
Vona Vona Lagoon Monuments
The lagoon is rich in historical sites, including war wrecks and traditional graves.
🗺️
Skull Island
This small island in the Vona Vona Lagoon houses a shrine with skulls of former chiefs and warriors.
🗺️
Skull Island
A sacred island in the Vonavona Lagoon, housing ancestral skulls and offering deep insight into local headhunting history.
Nature
🗺️
Vonavona Lagoon
This shallow lagoon is famous for its dense mangrove forests and crystal-clear waters with corals.
Roviana Lagoon
Roviana Lagoon features extensive coral reefs and is a center of Melanesian culture.
🗺️
Mount Rendova
Mount Rendova dominates the silhouette of Rendova Island in the Western Province.
More places
Noro
Noro is a major industrial town in the Western Province known for its deep-water port.
Choiseul Bay
Choiseul Bay is the main port and entry point for Choiseul Province in the country's northwest.
🗺️
Munda Wharf
Munda Wharf is the primary access point to the Roviana Lagoon.
Munda Airfield Monument
Munda Airfield was the site of intense combat.
Munda Airstrip
A strategic airfield on New Georgia built by the Japanese and captured by Americans.
Enogai Inlet
A strategic point in northern New Georgia that was the site of fierce fighting between US Marine Raiders and Japanese defenders in 1943.
Bairoko Harbor
A heavily fortified Japanese harbor on New Georgia that US forces initially failed to capture in July 1943 despite heavy attacks.
Noro Cannery
The factory in the Western Province is the hub of tuna processing.