The Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics (Museum Seni Rupa dan Keramik) is one of three interesting museums located on Fatahillah Square in Jakarta’s Old Town. See collections of antique and modern art by artists from all parts of the Indonesian archipelago. Browse an impressive exhibit of ceramic, clay and porcelain artifacts. The Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics occupies the one-time Court of Justice of Batavia, built in the 1800s by Dutch colonists.
The museum’s art collection consists of everything from batik work to paintings, sculptures and wood totems. Get acquainted with some of the country’s most-celebrated artists. Highlights include Hendra Gunawan’s Pengantin Revolusi (Revolution Bride and Bridegroom) and Raden Saleh’s The Regent of Lebak. See wood-crafted totem poles by Balinese sculptor Tjokot and sculptures by Oesman Effendi.
In the ceramics gallery, see representations from cities such as Bandung, Palembang and Yogyakarta in addition to the islands of Bali and Lombok. Admire examples from Europe and other Asian nations, most notably China’s Ming Dynasty, that date from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Don’t miss the 14th-century terracotta from the former archipelagic Majapahit Empire.
Appreciate the museum building itself, which features a whitewashed façade and a majestic colonnaded entrance. Note the cannons and animal-themed garbage cans in the garden. Select from a range of books, curios, handicrafts and postcards available to purchase at the museum shop.
Set on the east side of Fatahillah Square, the museum is located in the heart of the historic Old Town. Also on the square are the Jakarta History Museum and the Puppet Museum, showcasing the history of wayang puppetry. Walk about 5 minutes south to the Museum Bank Indonesia, where you can learn about Indonesia’s financial history.
The Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics is open from Tuesday to Sunday and has an admission fee.
