The Jakarta Wayang Museum presents a collection of local and international wayang in a historic colonial building, complete with art performances and educational activities.
Amidst the glitz of Jakarta’s Old Town, the Wayang Museum stands as a silent witness to history and guardian of the archipelago’s cultural heritage.
The historic building, which used to be a colonial church, is now a museum displaying thousands of wayang collections, both from Indonesia and abroad.
This museum is not only a place to store art, but also an educational tool to get to know more about Indonesia’s cultural richness.
History of the Puppet Museum
The Wayang Museum stands on the site of the former Dutch Church De Oude Hollandsche Kerk, built by the VOC in 1640. After being renovated in 1732, the church was renamed De Nieuwe Hollandsche Kerk. However, the building was destroyed by an earthquake in 1808.
This location was then rebuilt into a warehouse for the Geo Wehry & Co company in the early 20th century, with the Neo-Renaissance style decorating the front of the building in 1912.
After going through various changes in function, this building officially became the Wayang Museum in 1975 on the initiative of the Governor of Jakarta, Ali Sadikin.
Attraction of the Puppet Museum
The Wayang Museum has many unique features that make it one of the best cultural tourism destinations in Jakarta. Here are some of its attractions:
1. Colonial Style Architecture
The museum building still maintains the typical European colonial feel of the 17th century. With large windows, classic wooden doors, and magnificent interior design, visitors will feel the authentic atmosphere of the past.
2. A Diverse Collection of Wayang
The Wayang Museum houses more than 6,000 collections of wayang, ranging from shadow puppets, wooden puppets, to puppet dolls.
These puppets come from various regions in Indonesia such as Java, Bali, Palembang, and Lombok. Each collection displays the characteristics of the traditions and culture of the region of origin.
3. International Puppet Collection
In addition to Nusantara puppets, the museum also displays a collection of puppets from various countries, including Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Suriname. This collection displays the clothes, colors, and characters that are typical of each country’s culture.
4. The Unyil Doll
Indonesian pop culture icon Si Unyil is also part of the museum’s collection. The doll brings nostalgia to a generation that grew up with his stories and adventures.
5. Wayang Show
The Wayang Museum regularly holds wayang performances every Sunday. This performance showcases traditional storytelling arts that are rich in cultural values, providing an immersive experience for the audience.
6. Puppet Festival
The puppet arts festival which is held periodically is a special moment for visitors. This event combines exhibitions, performances, and workshops to preserve the art of wayang for the younger generation.
Location, Entrance Ticket Prices for Old Town Jakarta
The Wayang Museum is located in the Old Town area of Jakarta, adjacent to the Jakarta History Museum. The complete address is: Jalan Pintu Besar Utara No. 27, West Jakarta. The museum is open every day except Monday:
- Tuesday–Friday: 09.00–15.00 WIB
- Saturday–Sunday: 09.00–20.00 WIB
The Wayang Museum offers an invaluable experience at a very affordable ticket price:
- Adults: Rp10,000 (weekdays), Rp15,000 (weekends)
- Students: Rp. 5,000
- Foreign Visitors: Rp. 50,000
Interesting Activities at the Puppet Museum
The Wayang Museum not only displays art collections, but also provides various interesting activities for visitors:
1. Watching a Wayang Performance
This show is held every Sunday at 10:00–14:00 WIB. With classic stories full of meaning, this show is an interesting way to introduce wayang art to visitors.
2. Puppet Making Workshop
This museum often holds puppet making workshops. This activity is suitable for children and adults who want to try a creative experience while learning about traditional arts.
3. Shopping for souvenirs
At the museum’s souvenir shop, visitors can buy various typical souvenirs such as wayang miniatures, traditional dolls, and books about wayang art and culture.
4. Explore Collections
Each room in the museum displays unique collections accompanied by in-depth information, providing visitors with a rich educational experience.
5. Take pictures at historical buildings
The classic building design with colonial architectural details offers many interesting photo spots.
Wayang Museum Facilities
The Wayang Museum is equipped with facilities for visitor convenience:
- prayer room
- Clean Toilet
- Library Room: Provides books on puppetry and cultural history.
- Souvenir Shop: A place to buy unique souvenirs.
- Performance Space: For art events and puppet festivals.
Tips for Visiting the Wayang Museum
- Come in the Morning: Avoid the crowds by coming early, especially on weekends.
- Follow the Show Schedule: Make sure you know the show schedule to get the best experience.
- Bring a Camera: There are many interesting spots to capture, including exhibition halls and historic buildings.
- Wear Comfortable Clothes: The museum is quite large, so wear comfortable clothes and footwear to explore it.
Jakarta Wayang Museum is a destination that combines art, culture, and history in one place. A rich collection of wayang puppets, interesting art performances and a charming colonial atmosphere make this museum a place worth visiting.
Whether as an educational place for children or a cultural tour for families, the Wayang Museum offers an unforgettable experience. When visiting Jakarta, be sure to take the time to explore the wonders of the Old Town Jakarta!
