The National Gallery of Indonesia, known locally as Galeri Nasional Indonesia, is a museum and art gallery on Medan Merdeka in central Jakarta, a short distance from Monas. It opened in 1999 and holds more than 1,700 works by Indonesian and foreign artists, including Raden Saleh, Affandi and Basuki Abdullah. The main building dates from 1817. Permanent displays trace art from the colonial period to modern work, and temporary exhibitions rotate alongside them. Plan time for both areas, and set aside a stop at the art activity room if you travel with children.
Building and history
The gallery opened in 1999 as a government gallery for visual arts. The main building is older than the institution. It dates from 1817 and is a Dutch Indies colonial structure, put up partly with materials from the former Kasteel Batavia.
The complex sits on a shaded, palm-lined site in the middle of the city, next to the Merdeka Square area.
What the collection covers
The collection holds more than 1,700 works, including paintings, sculptures, installations, prints, ceramics, puppets and photographs. Indonesian artists represented include Raden Saleh, Affandi, Basuki Abdullah, Hendra Gunawan, Popo Iskandar and Soedibio. Foreign artists include Hans Hartung, Victor Vasarely, Sonia Delaunay and Zao Wou Ki.
The permanent display runs in roughly chronological order, from Dutch colonial art through early Indonesian painting to modern art. The layout and the labels are updated every few years, but the route through the rooms stays much the same.
Temporary exhibitions and the activity area
Temporary exhibitions rotate alongside the permanent displays. One recent show focused on Indonesian women artists and included many interactive works.
The art activity area lets visitors draw, colour printed sheets or paint on a shared wall. It suits children and adults alike, and it gives the visit a hands-on part beyond looking at the works.
Planning a visit
Photography is allowed without flash or tripod. Bags must be checked at the cloakroom. A small open-air cafe sits on the grounds, and a restaurant is also listed on site. A souvenir shop is on site as well.
The entrance, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible, and there is a changing table. Visitors who collect Museum Passport stamps can get one here.
A walk north from the gallery
A route from the gallery runs north past Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral. Pasar Baru market comes next, where local and family-run stalls sell clothing, watches, food and drinks.
The walk ends at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the Jakarta Arts Theater, a Dutch colonial concert hall. Dress modestly when you visit the mosque and the cathedral.
FAQ
How much are tickets?
The fee has been listed at IDR 50,000 for domestic visitors, and holders of an Indonesian visa may pay less. Confirm the current price before you go.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended, and you can buy them online before your visit.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes. Photography is allowed as long as you do not use flash or a tripod.
Is the gallery wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, restroom and parking lot are listed as wheelchair accessible, and there is a changing table.
Can I bring a bag inside?
Bags must be checked at the cloakroom.
