National Museum Indonesia - The Fatahillah Museum, whose official name is the Jakarta History Museum, is a museum located on Jalan Taman Fatahillah Number 1, West Jakarta, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, Indonesia with an area of ​​more than 1,300 square meters. This building was formerly the Batavia City Hall (Dutch: Stadhuis van Batavia) which was built in 1707-1710 on the orders of Governor General Joan van Hoorn
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National Museum Indonesia

4.7
·18k reviews·, Indonesia

Explore Indonesia's rich history and diverse cultures through vast collections of artifacts, art, and archaeological finds in a grand colonial buildin...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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National Museum Indonesia - The Fatahillah Museum, whose official name is the Jakarta History Museum, is a museum located on Jalan Taman Fatahillah Number 1, West Jakarta, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, Indonesia with an area of ​​more than 1,300 square meters. This building was formerly the Batavia City Hall (Dutch: Stadhuis van Batavia) which was built in 1707-1710 on the orders of Governor General Joan van Hoorn

National Museum Indonesia

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Indonesia's rich history and diverse cultures through vast collections of artifacts, art, and archaeological finds in a grand colonial building.

4.7
(18k reviews)

"A must-visit spot in Jakarta! Explore the rich history and culture of Indonesia with an impressive collection."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Beat the School Groups

Visit on weekdays to avoid noisy school children. Weekends can be overwhelming with large student groups.

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple floors. Prioritize comfort for an enjoyable experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Prehistoric & Archaeological Treasures

Prehistoric & Archaeological Treasures

Ground Floor & Upper Floors

Explore ancient artifacts, ceramics, and statues that tell the story of Indonesia's earliest civilizations.

Royal Treasures & Traditional Textiles

Royal Treasures & Traditional Textiles

Upper Floors

Marvel at the intricate gold and jewelry collections and diverse traditional clothing from across the archipelago.

Immersive Gallery (ImersifA Room)

Immersive Gallery (ImersifA Room)

Designated Exhibition Area

Experience history brought to life through modern, engaging displays that offer a unique perspective.

Colonial Architecture

Colonial Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Appreciate the grand colonial-style architecture that houses Indonesia's rich cultural heritage.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the National Museum Indonesia

The National Museum Indonesia offers a deep dive into Indonesian history and culture. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid large school groups and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Check for ongoing renovations as some areas might be temporarily closed.

Navigating the National Museum

With extensive collections spanning multiple floors, allocate at least 2-3 hours for your visit. The museum is well-air-conditioned, making it a comfortable escape from Jakarta's heat. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Escape the midday heat
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting Jakarta for 5 Days – Seeking Educational & Memorable Experiences

🎯 Beat the School Groups

Visit on weekdays to avoid noisy school children. Weekends can be overwhelming with large student groups. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple floors. Prioritize comfort for an enjoyable experience. Reddit

reddit.com

Artsy exhibition Jakarta

reddit.com

12 hours in Jakarta

💧 Stay Hydrated

While the museum is air-conditioned, it's still Jakarta! Bring a water bottle or purchase drinks at the cafe. Reddit

📸 Capture the Details

The exhibits are rich with detail. Take your time to photograph artifacts and architectural elements. Reddit

reddit.com

Reccomendations for things to do with young children.

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Beat the School Groups

Visit on weekdays to avoid noisy school children. Weekends can be overwhelming with large student groups. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple floors. Prioritize comfort for an enjoyable experience. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

While the museum is air-conditioned, it's still Jakarta! Bring a water bottle or purchase drinks at the cafe. Reddit

📸 Capture the Details

The exhibits are rich with detail. Take your time to photograph artifacts and architectural elements. Reddit

⏳ Allocate Enough Time

With vast collections, plan for at least 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the museum's offerings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(18k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the National Museum Indonesia for its extensive and diverse collection, offering a deep dive into Indonesian history and culture. The beautiful colonial architecture and affordable ticket price are also highlights. However, some find accessibility challenging, and noise from school groups can be disruptive.

"A must-visit spot in Jakarta!
Museum Nasional Indonesia is a great place to explore the rich history and culture of Indonesia. The collection is impressive from prehistoric artifacts and traditional textiles to royal treasures and ancient statues. Everything is well organized, and the building itself has beautiful colonial architecture 😍

What I liked most was the peaceful atmosphere and the new immersive gallery (ImersifA Room) which brings history to life in a modern way. The staff were friendly, the facilities were clean, and the ticket price was very affordable. It’s also family-friendly and perfect for students or tourists who want to learn more about Indonesia in one place.

Some areas are still under renovation due to a previous fire, but most of the main exhibitions are open and worth seeing. Highly recommended if you're in Jakarta and want a meaningful, cultural experience!"

Nurul Faizah

"If you look forward to validation of what you study as a student, a teacher or a history enthusiast, the National Museum is where to go.
Its array of exhibits is so wide that every piece will connect to the one next to it.
Dominated by the findings in the ruins of ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples of Central and East Java, they are by no means limited only to Java. East Borneo, among others, also has a contribution on its own.
The expo chamber of the museum is the venue for daring and yet encouraging ideas of present Indonesia.
It says Indonesia has always existed and will always exist and thrive in the spirits of conservation and refinement."

Yudis Reditiyana

"It is a museum you should visit. For foreigners it costs 50.000 Indonesian. It is huge. On ground floor there is a garden full of statues. There is also a basement with cafe. On ground floor you can find the souvenir store. There are another 2 floors. Well air conditioned. I liked the light and the decoration. Very interesting things to see there. You should come and visit it. Also there is the park and the mosque next to it. You can visit them at the same time."

Dimitris Apollonas Poseidonas Venetis

What People Like

Rich historical collections
Beautiful colonial architecture
Affordable ticket price

What People Dislike

Accessibility issues
Noisy school groups
Limited seating

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The National Museum Indonesia is centrally located in Jakarta. You can easily reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services (like Gojek or Grab), or public transport. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing for convenience. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the museum. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends. Arriving early or using ride-sharing services might be more convenient. Reddit

Yes, you can be dropped off directly in front of the entrance, which is very helpful for visitors with mobility concerns. Reddit

The museum is located near the National Monument (Monas) and Istiqlal Mosque, making it convenient to combine visits to these landmarks. Reddit

Ride-sharing apps are highly recommended for navigating Jakarta due to traffic. Public buses and the TransJakarta system are also options, though they can be more complex for tourists. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The ticket price for foreigners is approximately 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah. Prices can vary, so it's always good to check the official website or inquire upon arrival. Reddit

The museum is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, usually from 9 AM to 4 PM. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current opening hours and any holiday closures. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required, but it's a good idea to purchase tickets upon arrival. Weekdays are less crowded, making the ticket purchase process smoother. Reddit

The museum is a popular destination for students, and while specific discounts aren't always advertised, the general admission fee is quite affordable. Inquire at the ticket counter for any available concessions. Reddit

The museum has some accessibility features like ramps, but certain areas might be challenging to access without stairs. Elevators might be available but not always obvious. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the prehistoric artifacts, royal treasures, traditional textiles, and the immersive gallery (ImersifA Room). The gold and jewelry section is also a highlight. Reddit

To fully appreciate the extensive collections, plan for at least 2 to 3 hours. Some visitors spend even longer exploring the different floors and exhibits. Reddit

Yes, the museum is well air-conditioned, providing a comfortable environment to explore the exhibits, especially during Jakarta's hot weather. Reddit

While not always explicitly advertised, inquire at the information desk about the possibility of guided tours or audio guides to enhance your understanding of the exhibits. Reddit

Generally, touching artifacts is not allowed to preserve them. However, some exhibits might offer tactile experiences for the visually impaired. Always follow museum guidelines. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a cafe or canteen located in the basement, but it offers limited selections, primarily snacks. It's not ideal for a full meal. Reddit

Several restaurants and cafes are located in the vicinity, especially around the National Monument area. You can find a variety of Indonesian and international cuisines. Reddit

It's generally recommended not to bring outside food and drinks into the exhibition halls to protect the artifacts. The cafe is the designated area for refreshments. Reddit

The canteen is quite small and mainly serves snacks. For a proper lunch, it's better to explore dining options outside the museum. Reddit

The cafe's selection is limited, so vegetarian options might be scarce. It's best to check directly or plan to eat elsewhere if you have specific dietary needs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in most exhibition areas, but without flash. Some special exhibitions might have restrictions, so always check for signage. Reddit

Tripods are usually not permitted inside the exhibition halls to avoid obstructing other visitors and for safety reasons. Reddit

The colonial architecture, the courtyard garden with statues, and the detailed artifacts themselves make for great photo opportunities. The ImersifA Room can also be visually striking. Reddit

Filming might require special permission, especially for commercial purposes. For personal use, standard photography rules (no flash) usually apply. Reddit

A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial, especially for indoor exhibits. A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing memories. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The National Museum Indonesia can be a fantastic educational outing for families. The vast collection of artifacts, from ancient statues to traditional clothing, can spark curiosity in children. The ImersifA Room offers a more interactive way to engage younger visitors with history. Reddit

Tips for families: Plan your visit for weekday mornings to minimize exposure to large, noisy school groups. Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking. While there's a cafe, it's best for snacks; consider eating before or after your visit. Be mindful of limited seating and potential noise levels, and prepare for an engaging, albeit sometimes challenging, experience. Reddit

🎓 Students and History Buffs

For students and anyone passionate about history, the National Museum Indonesia is a must-visit. It offers a comprehensive overview of Indonesian history, archaeology, and ethnography, serving as an excellent complement to academic studies. The sheer volume and variety of exhibits provide ample opportunity for learning and discovery. Reddit

Recommendations: Take your time to explore each section thoroughly. The museum's extensive collections, from ancient temple findings to royal treasures, offer deep insights into the nation's past. Consider visiting during quieter periods to fully absorb the information and appreciate the artifacts without distraction. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

The National Museum Indonesia is an incredibly affordable way to experience Indonesian culture and history. With a low entrance fee, it offers immense value for money, especially for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers. Reddit

Tips: Combine your visit with nearby free attractions like the National Monument park or Istiqlal Mosque to maximize your exploration without additional costs. Pack your own water bottle to save on refreshment expenses. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through Indonesian History

The National Museum Indonesia, also known as Gedung Gajah (Elephant Building), is a treasure trove of the nation's rich past. Its collections span from prehistoric times to the colonial era, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago. Visitors can expect to see an impressive array of artifacts, including ancient tools, intricate jewelry, traditional textiles, and historical documents. The museum's architecture itself is a significant draw, featuring a blend of colonial and traditional Indonesian styles. Reddit

Established in 1778, the museum has undergone several expansions and renovations. A notable recent event was a fire that caused some damage, leading to ongoing recovery efforts. Despite this, the main exhibitions remain accessible and offer a comprehensive overview of Indonesia's history and ethnography. The museum is particularly strong in its displays of findings from ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples, as well as artifacts from various ethnic groups across the country. Reddit

For students and history enthusiasts, the National Museum Indonesia is an invaluable resource. It provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to understand the evolution of Indonesian society, art, and culture. The museum of Jakarta serves as a vital educational institution, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nation's heritage among both locals and international tourists. Reddit

Navigating Accessibility and Comfort

While the National Museum Indonesia strives to be welcoming, accessibility can be a mixed experience. Ramps are available at the entrance and in some areas, but access to certain special exhibits or facilities like the canteen may require navigating stairs or fast escalators. Visitors with mobility issues should be prepared for potential challenges and inquire about available assistance. Reddit

The museum is generally well-air-conditioned, offering a welcome respite from Jakarta's tropical climate. However, seating within the exhibition halls can be limited to hard, backless benches, which might be uncomfortable for extended periods, especially for those with physical ailments. The canteen is small and primarily offers snacks, so it's not an ideal spot for a full meal. Reddit

Noise levels can also be a factor, particularly on weekdays when school groups visit. The enthusiastic energy of schoolchildren can sometimes make it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the exhibits. Visitors seeking a quieter experience might prefer to visit during off-peak hours or on days with fewer scheduled school trips. Reddit

The ImersifA Room Experience

A modern highlight at the National Museum Indonesia is the ImersifA Room. This innovative space uses technology to bring history to life, offering a more engaging and dynamic way to learn about Indonesia's past. Unlike traditional static displays, the ImersifA Room aims to create an immersive experience that captivates visitors of all ages. Reddit

While the concept is exciting, visitor experiences can vary. Some reviews mention that seating in this area can be on the floor, which can be difficult for individuals with arthritis or other mobility concerns. It's advisable to check the specific setup of the ImersifA Room upon arrival and be prepared for potentially unconventional seating arrangements. Reddit

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