Must-Visit Museums in Indonesia

Indonesia is a country rich in history, culture, and art, with museums that showcase everything from ancient artifacts and traditional crafts to modern art and science. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or looking for a fun and educational experience, here are some of the must-visit museums in Indonesia.

 

1. National Museum of Indonesia (Museum Nasional) – Jakarta

 

Location: Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No.12, Central Jakarta

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Closed on Mondays

Entry Fee: IDR 15,000 ($0.30) for students

Website: www.museumnasional.or.id 

 

The National Museum of Indonesia, also known as the Elephant Museum, is the largest and most important museum in Indonesia. It houses over 140,000 artifacts, including prehistoric relics, traditional textiles, royal treasures, and Hindu-Buddhist statues from across the archipelago.

 

Highlights:

✔ A vast collection of ancient Indonesian artifacts

✔ Gold and silver treasures from the Majapahit Kingdom

✔ A rich display of traditional Indonesian textiles, ceramics, and weapons

 

2. Museum MACAN (Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara) – Jakarta

 

Location: AKR Tower, Jl. Panjang No.5, West Jakarta

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Closed on Mondays

Entry Fee: IDR 100,000 ($5) for students

Website: www.museummacan.org

 

Museum MACAN is Indonesia’s first modern and contemporary art museum, featuring international and local artists. With its ever-changing exhibitions, it is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum also has interactive installations, making it fun for kids.

 

Highlights:

✔ Works by Indonesian and global artists like Yayoi Kusama and Raden Saleh

✔ Interactive art installations perfect for family-friendly visits

✔ A rotating schedule of modern art exhibitions

 

3. Ullen Sentalu Museum – Yogyakarta

 

Location: Kaliurang, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Closed on Mondays

Entry Fee: IDR 50,000 ($2) for students

Website: www.ullensentalu.com

 

Ullen Sentalu is an elegant and mystical museum dedicated to Javanese culture, royal heritage, and traditional arts. Nestled in the cool highlands of Kaliurang, this museum offers a guided tour through rooms filled with historical paintings, batik textiles, and letters from Javanese princesses.

 

Highlights:

✔ Royal artifacts from the Javanese Mataram Kingdom

✔ A stunning collection of batik textiles and traditional Javanese clothing

✔ A mystical and atmospheric museum experience with beautiful architecture

 

4. The House of Sampoerna – Surabaya

 

Location: Jl. Taman Sampoerna No.6, Surabaya

Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Website: www.houseofsampoerna.museum

 

The House of Sampoerna is a tobacco and cigarette museum located in a historic Dutch colonial building. It tells the story of Indonesia’s kretek (clove cigarette) industry and offers a glimpse into Surabaya’s industrial history. Visitors can even watch workers hand-roll cigarettes in the factory.

 

Highlights:

✔ A historic colonial building with fascinating exhibits

✔ Live demonstration of hand-rolled cigarette making

✔ A café and gift shop featuring unique souvenirs

 

5. Blanco Renaissance Museum – Bali

 

Location: Campuhan, Ubud, Bali

Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entry Fee: IDR 100,000 (~$6.50)

Website: www.blancobali.com

 

The Blanco Renaissance Museum is the former home of Spanish painter Antonio Blanco, who fell in love with Bali and created stunning artworks inspired by Balinese women and culture. This museum is perfect for art lovers looking for a mix of European and Balinese influences.

 

Highlights:

✔ A collection of Antonio Blanco’s vibrant and surreal paintings

✔ A beautiful Balinese-style mansion with lush gardens

✔ Spectacular views of Ubud’s scenic landscape

 

6. Museum Angkut – Malang

 

Location: Batu, Malang, East Java

Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Entry Fee: IDR 100,000 (~$6.50)

Website: www.museumangkut.com

 

Museum Angkut is Southeast Asia’s largest transportation museum, featuring vintage cars, airplanes, and bicycles from different eras. It’s a fun and interactive museum that kids and adults will enjoy.

 

Highlights:

✔ Classic cars, planes, and even horse carriages from different eras

✔ Hollywood and European-themed zones for fun photo opportunities

✔ A replica of Jakarta’s old streets

 

7. Tsunami Museum – Banda Aceh

 

Location: Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda, Banda Aceh

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Closed on Mondays

Entry Fee: Free

Website: N/A

 

This museum serves as a memorial and educational center for the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that devastated Aceh. The architectural design is both symbolic and immersive, offering a somber yet powerful experience.

 

Highlights:

✔ A dark tunnel with the sound of waves, simulating the tsunami experience

✔ Photographs, survivor stories, and educational videos

✔ A rooftop escape simulation area used for tsunami preparedness training

 

Indonesia’s museums offer an incredible variety of history, culture, art, and science. Whether you’re interested in ancient artifacts, modern art, transportation, or natural disasters, these museums provide valuable insights and unforgettable experiences