Patakijiyali Museum

Patakijiyali Museum is a small community museum located in Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island in the Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory, about 80 kilometres north of Darwin. It showcases Tiwi culture, history and art, including traditional carvings, Pukumani burial poles, bark paintings and historical photographs. Established by the Tiwi community to preserve and share Tiwi heritage, the museum provides insight into Tiwi traditions, mission history and contemporary art practices for visitors on guided tours.

Visitors can expect a compact, community-run museum in the centre of Wurrumiyanga displaying Tiwi artefacts, historical photographs, bark paintings, carved figures and Pukumani poles. The interior is arranged as exhibition rooms with interpretive displays explaining Tiwi history, language and art. Access is typically as part of an organised day tour from Darwin, with a local Tiwi guide providing commentary. The setting is a quiet island community surrounded by bush and coastline, with the museum close to art centres and the historic Catholic precinct.