The National Museum of Indonesia, often called the Elephant Museum, is one of the most important and historic places to visit in Jakarta. With a wide range of collections, this museum shows cultural and historical items from all over Indonesia, giving you a chance to explore the rich and varied culture. It was established in 1778 by a group called the Batavia Society for Arts and Sciences. The museum not only keeps old items but also tells the long story of Indonesia from ancient times to the present day. One of the main attractions of the National Museum is its collection of old statues and inscriptions that show Hindu-Buddhist culture in Indonesia. Here, you can also find traditional fabrics, pottery, old weapons, and gold jewelry used by Indonesian kings. You can see items from great kingdoms like Majapahit and Sriwijaya, as well as objects from the colonial period that explain the long history of interactions between Indonesia and European countries. Besides its permanent collection, the museum also has temporary exhibitions on special themes like modern Indonesian art, traditional buildings, or the development of Indonesian culture. With its impressive building and central location in Jakarta, the National Museum of Indonesia is a must-visit place if you want to learn more about Indonesia's history and culture.
Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat No.12, Gambir, Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta, Indonesia, 10110
This landmark doesn't provide this information yet.
Information above may change without prior notice.
To visit the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta, you have several transportation options. The TransJakarta bus, stopping near the Monas Halt on Corridor 1, costs Rp 3,500 and runs from 05:00 to 22:00 WIB. Alternatively, take the MRT Jakarta to Bundaran HI, then transfer to a bus or online motorcycle taxi. MRT tickets range from Rp 3,000 to Rp 14,000, with service from 05:00 to 24:00 WIB. Taxis offer a direct but pricier option, while online transport services provide flexible, 24-hour access. There is also ample parking available at the museum, with fees based on your visit duration.
The entrance fee to the National Museum of Indonesia is very affordable. For local tourists, adult tickets are priced around Rp 10,000-15,000, while children and students are charged Rp 5,000 - 7,500. For international tourists, the ticket costs Rp 35,000. Additionally, the museum often holds free admission days during certain occasions like International Museum Day.
The National Museum of Indonesia is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 16:00 WIB. On Mondays and national holidays, the museum is usually closed for maintenance and cleaning. It is recommended to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and school holidays.
The main attractions of the National Museum of Indonesia include its collection of statues from the Hindu-Buddhist period scattered throughout the archipelago, including the famous Prajnaparamita statue from Singosari, regarded as one of Indonesia's classic masterpieces. The museum also features a special section displaying gold collections from Indonesian royal eras, including Majapahit royal jewelry and accessories. There are also ancient Chinese ceramics collections that illustrate the historical trade relations between Indonesia and China.
In addition to exploring and enjoying the museum’s various collections, you can also join guided tours led by professional guides who will explain each artifact and its history. The National Museum of Indonesia frequently holds workshops and engaging temporary exhibitions, such as batik making, traditional crafts, or cultural discussions involving experts.
Get to Know National Museum of Indonesia
Petua Perjalanan untuk National Museum of Indonesia
Explore The Area