The National Museum of Indonesia, also known as Museum Nasional or Gedung Gajah (Elephant Building), is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia. Established in 1778, it stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most comprehensive museums, housing over 141,000 artifacts that span from prehistoric times to the modern era.
Collections & Exhibits
The museum’s vast collections are categorized into several key areas:
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Prehistoric Artifacts: Including fossils, stone tools, and ancient weapons.
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Archaeological Treasures: Notably the 13th-century statue of Prajnaparamita and the 9th-century Wonoboyo hoard.
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Ethnographic Collections: Artifacts from various Indonesian cultures, such as the Batak, Dayak, Toraja, and Asmat peoples.
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Ceramics and Pottery: The largest collection in Southeast Asia, featuring pieces from the Han to Qing dynasties.
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Numismatics and Historical Relics: Coins, colonial-era furniture, and other historical items.
The museum comprises two main buildings:
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Gedung Gajah (Old Wing): Houses classical collections, including the renowned treasure rooms.
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Gedung Arca (New Wing): Opened in 2007, this wing presents exhibits based on cultural elements such as religion, social organization, and technology.
2023 Fire Incident & Restoration
On September 16, 2023, a fire broke out in the Gedung Gajah building, damaging several rooms containing precolonial artifacts. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and many valuable items were saved. The museum underwent renovations and reopened on October 15, 2024, featuring an exhibition about the fire and its impact.
Visiting Information
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Opening Hours:
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Tuesday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (closed during Friday prayers)
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Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
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Admission Fees:
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Indonesian Nationals: IDR 5,000 for adults, IDR 2,000 for children.
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Guided Tours: The Indonesian Heritage Society offers free guided tours in English, French, Japanese, and Korean at 10:00 AM on select days.
