This Branch is responsible for curating the national collections, for carrying out research with the aim of documenting the artefacts in the collections, for enforcing the National Cultural Property (Preservation) Act and for investigating possible breaches of the Act, issuing of permits for artefacts, and mounting exhibits of traditional cultural objects.
The Branch is also expected to conduct research, publish results of research and to contribute towards educational programs that will enrich and inspire people about Papua New Guineas cultural heritage, modern history and contemporary culture.