The Jakarta Wayang Museum exhibits a collection of local and international wayang in a historic colonial building, complete with educational art performances.
The Wayang Museum, located in Jakarta’s Old Town area, is a tourist destination that combines art and history.
The building that was originally an old church is now a place that exhibits various collections of puppets from various regions in Indonesia and abroad.
With a strong colonial atmosphere, the Wayang Museum offers an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. Check out the complete review of the history, attractions, and activities that can be done at the Wayang Museum.
History of the Puppet Museum
The Wayang Museum stands on a site that was originally a Dutch church called De Oude Hollandsche Kerk, built in 1640 by the VOC.
After undergoing renovation in 1732, the church was renamed De Nieuwe Hollandsche Kerk. However, the building was destroyed by an earthquake in 1808.
At the same location, a new building was built which functioned as a warehouse by the Geo Wehry & Co company in the early 20th century.
The front of this building was designed in a Neo-Renaissance style in 1912. Over time, the building underwent various changes in function until finally in 1975 it was inaugurated as the Wayang Museum by the Governor of DKI Jakarta at that time, Ali Sadikin.
Attraction of the Puppet Museum
The Wayang Museum has many attractions that make it an educational tourist destination as well as a place to enjoy art and culture.
1. Stunning Colonial Architecture
The Wayang Museum building reflects European colonial architectural style. Tall windows and classic wooden doors give it a distinctive medieval feel. This atmosphere creates a unique experience for visitors, as if they were in the past.
2. A Diverse Collection of Wayang
This museum has a collection of more than 6,000 types of wayang, ranging from shadow puppets, golek puppets, to puppet puppets.
These puppets are made from various materials such as leather, wood, and cloth. Each puppet reflects its culture and traditions, both from Indonesia and other countries.
3. International Puppet Collection
Not only displaying puppets from Indonesia, the Wayang Museum also exhibits collections from other countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and even Suriname in South America.
These puppets display the characteristics of each culture, complete with unique costumes and accessories.
4. The Unyil Doll
One of the popular attractions at the Wayang Museum is the iconic Si Unyil puppet. This puppet is an important part of Indonesian pop culture, and its presence adds nostalgic value for visitors.
5. Wayang Show
The Puppet Museum regularly holds puppet shows every Sunday. This show is not only entertaining but also provides education about the art of puppetry to visitors.
6. Puppet Festival
In addition to regular performances, the Wayang Museum also holds periodic wayang festivals. This festival is an event to promote wayang art to the younger generation while preserving traditional culture.
Location & Ticket Prices for Jakarta Old Town Operating Hours
The Wayang Museum is located in the Old Town area of Jakarta, adjacent to the Jakarta History Museum. The full address is Jalan Pintu Besar Utara No. 27, West Jakarta. The museum is open every day except Monday, with operating hours:
- Tuesday–Friday: 09.00–15.00 WIB
- Saturday–Sunday: 09.00–20.00 WIB
The entrance ticket price for the Wayang Museum is very affordable, namely:
- Adults: Rp10,000 (weekdays), Rp15,000 (weekends)
- Students: Rp. 5,000
- Foreign Visitors: Rp. 50,000
Activities to Do at the Wayang Museum
The Wayang Museum offers a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages :
1. Watching a Wayang Performance
Wayang performances are held every Sunday from 10.00–14.00 WIB. In this show, visitors can see firsthand the beauty of wayang art and hear classic stories told through performing arts.
2. Attending a Wayang Workshop
The museum often holds workshops to introduce how to make puppets to visitors. These workshops are suitable for children and adults who want to get to know traditional art better.
3. Shop for Unique Souvenirs
Inside the museum there is a souvenir shop that sells various unique items such as miniature puppets, traditional dolls, and typical souvenirs. The prices of these items are quite affordable, so visitors can take home souvenirs.
4. Explore the Wayang Collection
Explore various exhibition spaces displaying collections of wayang from various regions and countries. Each collection is accompanied by detailed information, making it an educational experience.
5. Visit the Puppet Festival
The Wayang Museum regularly holds arts festivals featuring various arts and cultural exhibitions and performances. This festival is the right moment to learn more about the art of puppetry.
Facilities at the Puppet Museum
The Wayang Museum is equipped with various facilities for visitor comfort, including:
- Prayer room: Prayer area for visitors.
- Toilet: Clean toilet facilities.
- Library Room: A collection of books on puppetry and cultural history is available.
- Rinse and Change Room: For the convenience of visitors attending the workshop.
- CCTV and Fire Extinguishers: To maintain the safety of visitors and museum collections.
Tips for Visiting the Wayang Museum
- Come in the Morning: To avoid the crowds, visit the museum in the morning when it is quieter.
- Follow the Show Schedule: Make sure you know the wayang show schedule so you don’t miss this exciting experience.
- Wear Comfortable Clothes: The museum is large and expansive and will involve a lot of walking. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear.
- Bring a Camera: There are many interesting spots in the museum to capture, especially the exhibition area and colonial-style buildings.
The Wayang Museum in Jakarta is a place that combines history, art, and culture in one destination. A complete collection of puppets, interesting art performances, and a unique colonial atmosphere make this museum worth a visit.
With affordable ticket prices, the Wayang Museum is not only a place of entertainment but also an educational facility rich in cultural values. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the richness of traditional Indonesian art at the Old Town Jakarta when you are in Jakarta!
