Are you looking for a cultural and artistic experience in Jakarta, the bustling capital of Indonesia? Do you want to explore the rich and diverse heritage of the world’s largest archipelago nation through its modern and contemporary art? If yes, then you should not miss visiting the Galeri Nasional, or the National Gallery of Indonesia, a hub of creativity and expression in the heart of the city.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the Galeri Nasional, such as how to get there, what to see and do, and what to expect from this amazing attraction. You will also learn about some other places to visit near the gallery, where you can enjoy more of Jakarta’s culture and history. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences in this guide.
So, let’s get started and dive into the art and soul of Indonesia at the Galeri Nasional!
How to Reach Galeri Nasional
The Galeri Nasional is located in the central area of Jakarta, near the Monas (National Monument) and the Istiqlal Mosque. It is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, such as bus, train, taxi, or car.
By bus:
You can take the TransJakarta bus, which is the city’s rapid transit system, and get off at the Gambir 2 or Monas 2 stations, which are both within walking distance from the gallery. The bus fare is around IDR 3,500 (USD 0.25) per trip.
By train:
You can take the KRL Commuter Line train, which connects Jakarta with its surrounding cities, and get off at the Gambir station, which is also close to the gallery. The train fare depends on the distance travelled, but it is usually around IDR 10,000 (USD 0.70) per trip.
By taxi:
You can take a taxi from anywhere in the city, and ask the driver to take you to the Galeri Nasional. The taxi fare varies depending on the traffic and the distance, but it is usually around IDR 50,000 (USD 3.50) per trip.
By car:
You can drive your own car or rent one from a reputable company, and follow the directions to the Galeri Nasional. The gallery has a parking lot that can accommodate up to 200 cars, and the parking fee is IDR 5,000 (USD 0.35) per hour.
The address of the Galeri Nasional is Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No.14, Gambir, Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10110, Indonesia. You can also use Google Maps or other navigation apps to find the best route to the gallery.
What to See and Do at Galeri Nasional
The Galeri Nasional is a cultural institution that showcases various artworks from Indonesian and international artists, ranging from paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and more. The gallery was established in 1999, and has a collection of over 1,700 artworks, some of which date back to the 19th century. The gallery aims to promote and preserve the art and culture of Indonesia, as well as to educate and inspire the public.
The gallery has two main buildings: Building A and Building B. Building A is the older and larger building, which houses the permanent exhibition, the library, the auditorium, and the administration office. Building B is the newer and smaller building, which houses the temporary exhibition, the workshop room, and the café.
Here are some of the things you can see and do at the Galeri Nasional:
Explore the permanent exhibition, which displays the works of some of the most prominent and influential Indonesian artists, such as Raden Saleh, Affandi, Basuki Abdullah, Hendra Gunawan, and many more. You can learn about the history, style, and meaning of each artwork, as well as the artist’s background and contribution to the Indonesian art scene. You can also admire the diversity and richness of the Indonesian art, which reflects the various ethnic, religious, and regional influences of the country.
Check out the temporary exhibition, which features the works of contemporary Indonesian and international artists, who use various media and techniques to express their ideas and perspectives. You can discover the latest trends and developments in the art world, as well as the social and political issues that affect the artists and their communities. You can also interact with some of the artworks, which are designed to engage and challenge the viewers.
Join the events and programs, which are organized regularly by the gallery, such as workshops, seminars, lectures, festivals, and competitions. You can learn new skills and knowledge, such as painting, sculpting, photography, and more, from the experts and practitioners in the field. You can also network and exchange ideas with other art enthusiasts and professionals, and participate in the art community.
Visit the library, which has a collection of over 10,000 books, journals, magazines, and catalogues related to art and culture. You can browse and read the materials, which cover various topics and genres, such as art history, theory, criticism, biography, and more. You can also access the digital library, which has a database of over 3,000 artworks and artists, as well as the audio-visual library, which has a collection of over 500 CDs and DVDs.
Enjoy the café, which offers a variety of snacks and beverages, such as coffee, tea, juice, cake, and sandwiches. You can relax and refresh yourself after exploring the gallery, and enjoy the view of the garden and the fountain. You can also buy some souvenirs and merchandise, such as postcards, posters, books, and t-shirts, at the café.
Some tips and recommendations for visitors are:
- The best time to visit the gallery is in the morning or afternoon, when it is less crowded and more comfortable.
- The duration of the visit depends on your interest and preference, but it is usually around 2 to 3 hours.
- The photography policy is that you can take photos of the artworks, but you cannot use flash or tripod, and you must respect the artist’s rights and the gallery’s rules.
- The accessibility options are that the gallery has ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs for visitors with disabilities, and it also has a special program for them, such as guided tours and workshops.
- The Galeri Nasional is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and national holidays. The entrance fee is free for everyone, but donations are welcome. The contact details are +62 21 34833954 and info@galeri-nasional.or.id. You can also visit the official website of the gallery for more information and updates.
Other Places to Visit Near Galeri Nasional
If you want to explore more of Jakarta’s culture and history, you can also visit some of the nearby attractions, which are within walking distance or a short drive from the gallery. Here are some of the places you can check out:
Monas (National Monument):
This is a 132-meter tall monument that symbolizes the struggle and independence of Indonesia. You can see the bronze flame on top of the monument, which is coated with 35 kilograms of gold. You can also visit the museum inside the monument, which displays the history and achievements of Indonesia. You can also go up to the observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of the city.
Istiqlal Mosque:
This is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, and the national mosque of Indonesia. It can accommodate up to 200,000 worshippers, and it has a magnificent architecture and design. You can see the dome, the minaret, the courtyard, and the prayer hall of the mosque, which are decorated with Islamic motifs and symbols. You can also learn about the history and significance of the mosque, which represents the unity and diversity of Indonesia.
Jakarta Cathedral:
This is a Roman Catholic cathedral that was built in 1901, and it is the seat of the Archbishop of Jakarta. It has a neo-Gothic style, and it has three spires, stained glass windows, and statues of Jesus and Mary. You can see the interior of the cathedral, which has a rich and colorful decoration, and a pipe organ that is still functional. You can also visit the museum behind the cathedral, which displays the relics and artifacts of the Catholic Church in Indonesia.
National Museum:
This is the oldest and largest museum in Indonesia, and it is also known as the Elephant Building, because of the bronze elephant statue in front of it. It has a collection of over 140,000 items, which showcase the natural and cultural heritage of Indonesia. You can see the exhibits of the museum, which include prehistoric, archaeological, historical, ethnographic, and artistic objects, such as fossils, ceramics, weapons, textiles, and paintings.
These are some of the places that you can visit near the Galeri Nasional, where you can enjoy more of Jakarta’s culture and history. You can also find other attractions, such as parks, markets, malls, and restaurants, where you can have fun and relax.
The Galeri Nasional is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves art and culture, and who wants to discover the art and soul of Indonesia. You can see and learn about the various artworks and artists that represent the diversity and richness of the Indonesian art, as well as the history and development of the country. You can also join the events and programs that the gallery offers, and enhance your skills and knowledge in the art field.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket to Jakarta and experience the art and soul of Indonesia at the Galeri Nasional. You will not regret it!
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful and informative. If you did, please share it with your friends and family, and leave us a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
Also, don’t forget to check out our other articles and packages on Tripoto, where you can find more travel guides, tips, and inspiration for your next adventure. Whether you are looking for a beach getaway, a mountain trek, a city break, or a cultural immersion, we have something for everyone.
Thank you for reading, and happy travels!
