Wayang Museum
Wayang Museum
4
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
This museum exhibits a great many wayang kulit, two-dimensional puppets used in the ancient art of Javanese storytelling.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
552 reviews
Excellent
105
Very good
258
Average
152
Poor
31
Terrible
6
Ratih Mirantih
Jakarta, Indonesia200 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Puppet museum building formerly was Church at the colonial time that built at 1640. Inside of the museum there is also memorial Park, or grave yard of Dutch governor general including the Funding father of Batavia grave, Jan Pieterszoon Coon who died on Batavia (Jakarta) because Mallarea.
In this museum we can see collections of puppets. In Indonesia puppet is popular art from part of Java. There is wooden puppet, shadow puppet (leather puppet made from skin of buffalos), and also human puppet.
This museum has a lot of various collections from characters of Indonesian puppet and also puppet collections from all over the world. In weekend (Sunday) this museum has special puppet show that visitors can watch and enjoy.
In this museum we can see collections of puppets. In Indonesia puppet is popular art from part of Java. There is wooden puppet, shadow puppet (leather puppet made from skin of buffalos), and also human puppet.
This museum has a lot of various collections from characters of Indonesian puppet and also puppet collections from all over the world. In weekend (Sunday) this museum has special puppet show that visitors can watch and enjoy.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AZCasualTraveler
Mesa, AZ2,438 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The Wayang Puppet Museum is a magnificent display of the Wayang form of puppetry, exhibiting a huge collection of classic flat wooden puppets. It displays puppets portraying characters from across Indonesia, China, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, and Europe, housed within its vintage cabinets.
Built in the early-1900s, the building that houses the Wayang Museum is itself a heritage structure. At first glance, some of the puppets displayed at the museum might seem innocent, colourful and delicate works of art while some might seem slightly frightening. Nonetheless, all the puppets exhibited at the museum represent the characters that come from the culture and traditions of Indonesia. A visit to this attraction is recommended for art lovers.
Built in the early-1900s, the building that houses the Wayang Museum is itself a heritage structure. At first glance, some of the puppets displayed at the museum might seem innocent, colourful and delicate works of art while some might seem slightly frightening. Nonetheless, all the puppets exhibited at the museum represent the characters that come from the culture and traditions of Indonesia. A visit to this attraction is recommended for art lovers.
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ronaldsipahutar
Tangerang, Indonesia179 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
At the beginning, a bit undermining this museum.
But it really changed our mind after the visit.
Here how you can get the same experiences:
1. Ask for the guide, believe me this is critical if you visit museum. Since this is not a gallery, the story behind it are important to know.
Usually they have an employee that sitting not far from the ticketing, ask politely since he actuality not official guide.
IDR50K is more than enough for him.
2. Go slow don't be fast, try to follow all the stories, yes this is incredible story that made us several time said : oya?! Wow! Ooohhh just knew it.
3. Take a lot of pictures, ya since you won't find it in another places.
Don't forget, once you finish, grab some special merchandise :)
But it really changed our mind after the visit.
Here how you can get the same experiences:
1. Ask for the guide, believe me this is critical if you visit museum. Since this is not a gallery, the story behind it are important to know.
Usually they have an employee that sitting not far from the ticketing, ask politely since he actuality not official guide.
IDR50K is more than enough for him.
2. Go slow don't be fast, try to follow all the stories, yes this is incredible story that made us several time said : oya?! Wow! Ooohhh just knew it.
3. Take a lot of pictures, ya since you won't find it in another places.
Don't forget, once you finish, grab some special merchandise :)
Written 1 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nuzul Bragas
Depok, Indonesia3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
a large collection of puppets from all regions of Indonesia and the world. The building space is large and spacious so there is plenty of room to explore. Good service and classic atmosphere can take us back in time to get to know history.
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WellWornPassport
Washington DC, DC128 contributions
In a relatively rundown (and historic) part of town, this hidden gem is not to be missed. There are free performances on Sunday afternoons. I was approached by a "guide" whose family is well-known for their generation-long tradition of creating and performing Wayang puppets. He gave a great impromptu tour of the museum, but at the end, he expected me to make a purchase. Having experienced a wonderfully personalized tour, I was more than happy to make a token purchase, but was shocked by his asking price for the pair of puppets (about $100USD). While visiting the museum, be sure to stop at Café Batavia, a well-known restaurant set in a historic building and overlooking Fatahillah Square, and the old City Hall from the Dutch colonial period.
Written 27 January 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cirque
Jakarta, Indonesia8,134 contributions
This museum has undergone major refurbishment in 2010 and definitely has pleasant new looks. I visited there recently and here's my observation for the refurbished museum:
Good points:
1. Signage and Entrance fee information is displayed clearly on the front door. Receptionist is ready to welcome you (not in the hospitable way, but more like government staff attitude - cold but serve its purpose).
2. Bright paint job definitely makes the corridor and showroom look bright and airy
3. Proper lighting in each exhibit
4. Pleasant and bright tomb display over the small garden
5. Modern elements of glass, wood, and steel are incorporated definitely brings minimalistic to overall museum walkthrough.
6. Collection now is displayed based on their origin and importance - more organized than before
7. Well kept toilets on the way out
Bad points
1. Visitors can definitely see several air con units and aircon vents along the way in the indoor building - but NONE are in operation (maybe because each person pay minimal admission fee? But this should not be an issue if the government has commitment to keep the collection and visitors more comfortable). It's just pointless to see the museum collection is swelling heat and humidity!
2. On several corner, unfinished paint job still can be seen... Intentional? Doesn't seem like it.
3. Lack signage inside the museum - there is a high possibility someone will miss some exhibits because there is no proper guide map. The only property map available is on the lobby.
4. There are lockers besides the gift shop - but why on earth putting lockers on the way out, not in the entrance (FYI, between entrance and exit does not have access to each other, have to turn around the building or step outside through front facade).
5. Gift shop - despite new look, it's still overpriced! If you intend to browse Sarinah afterwards, I highly recommend to buy your puppet souvenirs at Sarinah.
6. Illegal tourist guide still can be seen roaming the museum grounds, in the end, they'll try to sell puppets to you - of course at very ridiculous price.
7. Official website is unavailable in English (only Bahasa Indonesia).
Verdict
Cheap admission fee (Rp2,000 for adults - less than USD2.00) to see great collection of puppetry from Indonesia as well as few international collection. But NO AIR CON means that you'll walk out in sweltering heat, not sure if the collection can last longer with all those humidity! I want to give it a 5-star for renovation and re-arrangement of the collection, but the heat and humidity really bring the whole experience down - not to mention the overpriced gift shop!
Good points:
1. Signage and Entrance fee information is displayed clearly on the front door. Receptionist is ready to welcome you (not in the hospitable way, but more like government staff attitude - cold but serve its purpose).
2. Bright paint job definitely makes the corridor and showroom look bright and airy
3. Proper lighting in each exhibit
4. Pleasant and bright tomb display over the small garden
5. Modern elements of glass, wood, and steel are incorporated definitely brings minimalistic to overall museum walkthrough.
6. Collection now is displayed based on their origin and importance - more organized than before
7. Well kept toilets on the way out
Bad points
1. Visitors can definitely see several air con units and aircon vents along the way in the indoor building - but NONE are in operation (maybe because each person pay minimal admission fee? But this should not be an issue if the government has commitment to keep the collection and visitors more comfortable). It's just pointless to see the museum collection is swelling heat and humidity!
2. On several corner, unfinished paint job still can be seen... Intentional? Doesn't seem like it.
3. Lack signage inside the museum - there is a high possibility someone will miss some exhibits because there is no proper guide map. The only property map available is on the lobby.
4. There are lockers besides the gift shop - but why on earth putting lockers on the way out, not in the entrance (FYI, between entrance and exit does not have access to each other, have to turn around the building or step outside through front facade).
5. Gift shop - despite new look, it's still overpriced! If you intend to browse Sarinah afterwards, I highly recommend to buy your puppet souvenirs at Sarinah.
6. Illegal tourist guide still can be seen roaming the museum grounds, in the end, they'll try to sell puppets to you - of course at very ridiculous price.
7. Official website is unavailable in English (only Bahasa Indonesia).
Verdict
Cheap admission fee (Rp2,000 for adults - less than USD2.00) to see great collection of puppetry from Indonesia as well as few international collection. But NO AIR CON means that you'll walk out in sweltering heat, not sure if the collection can last longer with all those humidity! I want to give it a 5-star for renovation and re-arrangement of the collection, but the heat and humidity really bring the whole experience down - not to mention the overpriced gift shop!
Written 13 September 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dedyis
New Jersey812 contributions
Jan 2012 • Solo
You can see many kinds of Indonesian Puppet. And also we will know more about puppet from another countries (from China, Thailand, etc)...
Very Nice !!
You can also learn about history of puppet from many cities in Indonesia.
Very Nice !!
You can also learn about history of puppet from many cities in Indonesia.
Written 5 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernard G
Jakarta, Indonesia38 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
Of all the tourist attractions in Jakarta, this is by far my favorite. It inspired me to start my own collection of wayang and is most important stop when I have visitors from out of town.
Located in Old Town, an attraction in itself, the Wayang Museum is one of the best single collections of indigenous art in the city. Not only is the variety dizzying and the craftsmanship amazing, the wayang tell stories by themselves.
Ranging from palm-sized shadow puppets to huge contraptions with the puppeteer inside, the characters represent ancient tales and legends, especially gods and goddesses adapted from Hindu culture. The materials span the gamut from paper and wood, to palm leaves and woven coconut fibers. The truly fine ones have elaborate paint jobs, with minuscule details that one would likely not see in a performance.
Throughout the museum, you will see the same characters rendered again and again, with flourishes and details that reflect changing times and locations. Names like Rama and Shinta and Bimo and Gatotkaca will appear in many different guises, but with traditional features common to all iterations.
It should also be noted that using sticks to animate the arms and legs of the wayang was one of the inspirations for Jim Henson's muppets.
The collection is so extensive that it can easily take two to three hours to wander through all of it. Keep in mind that the building itself is historic and the floors are often uneven and the lighting on individual displays can make it difficult to see some details, though I got around this by using the flashlight on my phone. There also doesn't seem to be a lot of organization to the displays, with some looking as if they were just stood in a corner waiting for a permanent home. It does add quite a bit to the character and experience, though.
The entrance fees are reasonable, with discounts and group prices available. There's a fairly good gift shop where you can start your own collection. You will want to bring bottled water along, since there are no water fountains and the snack bar is at the end of the tour. Organized tours available with reservation, or self-guided tour any time during operating hours.
Located in Old Town, an attraction in itself, the Wayang Museum is one of the best single collections of indigenous art in the city. Not only is the variety dizzying and the craftsmanship amazing, the wayang tell stories by themselves.
Ranging from palm-sized shadow puppets to huge contraptions with the puppeteer inside, the characters represent ancient tales and legends, especially gods and goddesses adapted from Hindu culture. The materials span the gamut from paper and wood, to palm leaves and woven coconut fibers. The truly fine ones have elaborate paint jobs, with minuscule details that one would likely not see in a performance.
Throughout the museum, you will see the same characters rendered again and again, with flourishes and details that reflect changing times and locations. Names like Rama and Shinta and Bimo and Gatotkaca will appear in many different guises, but with traditional features common to all iterations.
It should also be noted that using sticks to animate the arms and legs of the wayang was one of the inspirations for Jim Henson's muppets.
The collection is so extensive that it can easily take two to three hours to wander through all of it. Keep in mind that the building itself is historic and the floors are often uneven and the lighting on individual displays can make it difficult to see some details, though I got around this by using the flashlight on my phone. There also doesn't seem to be a lot of organization to the displays, with some looking as if they were just stood in a corner waiting for a permanent home. It does add quite a bit to the character and experience, though.
The entrance fees are reasonable, with discounts and group prices available. There's a fairly good gift shop where you can start your own collection. You will want to bring bottled water along, since there are no water fountains and the snack bar is at the end of the tour. Organized tours available with reservation, or self-guided tour any time during operating hours.
Written 17 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerald W
Frankfort, MI192 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
I like puppetry and learned much from this museum. It was fascinating seeing the different characters used in the puppetry, though with my untrained eyes, it was difficult to tell the 5 brothers from Sri Rama and Sita.
Yet, it left me wanting to see a little bit of the puppetry under the instruction of an interpreter in order to understand the tradition. I think a full tale would be beyond me.
While I could probably have found less costly and more detailed souvenir puppets elsewhere, my decision to purchase from the museum store was to support this fascinating museum.
Yet, it left me wanting to see a little bit of the puppetry under the instruction of an interpreter in order to understand the tradition. I think a full tale would be beyond me.
While I could probably have found less costly and more detailed souvenir puppets elsewhere, my decision to purchase from the museum store was to support this fascinating museum.
Written 2 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bule_botak
Tangerang, Indonesia22 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
Museum wayang is a really interesting little place to visit. A mixture of the wonderful puppets that are so renowned throughout the world and some history thrown in. In Kota Tua (old town) it is a bit of a tourist trap and as a bule you will be charged more. However more means nothing, a matter of an extra few cents, pennies, or whatever your lowest currency level is. It wont hurt you but it makes a massive difference to the locals. The museum itself it well maintained, located in the old Dutch colonial headquarters to Batavia, it celebrates Java culture as well as visiting the brutal Dutch occupation. Fun, interesting and cheap. Worth the visit.
Written 19 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to make an appointment between 21st and 25th July to meet with a museum curator or wayang expert. I am doing research into the collection of Thomas Stamford Raffles and want to discuss his puppets which date from the late 189th-early 19th century. I need advice from someone who knows a lot about wayang styles. Can you help please?
Written 25 June 2017
When I was at the museum, the curator was there and he was very informative about the exhibits. I suggest you either call the museum or turn up and ask to speak to him
Written 25 June 2017
They do. Although not so much collection there.
Written 8 December 2016
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