Jakarta History Museum (Museum Fatahillah), Jakarta

Jakarta History Museum (Museum Fatahillah), Jakarta

The Jakarta History Museum, known as the Fatahillah Museum or Batavia Museum, is nestled within Jakarta's Old Town. Established in 1974, the museum features a diverse array of artifacts from Jakarta's prehistoric times, the establishment of Jayakarta in 1527, and the Dutch colonial era spanning from the 16th century to Indonesia's independence in 1945.

Previously serving as Batavia's city hall, the museum building was erected in 1627 at the same location as the current structure. A significant renovation took place in 1707, resulting in several features of the present-day building, including the portico. The portico, with its series of columns and triangular pediment, adds an element of grandeur and sophistication to the exterior.

The building is characterized by its large timber beams and floorboards, encompassing 37 elaborately ornated rooms. The building's design was inspired by the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, showcasing a domed cupola and proportions characteristic of a 17th-century Dutch city hall.

As one of Indonesia's most extensive museums, the History Museum boasts an impressive 23,500 exhibits. Among these, the oldest is a replica of the 5th-century Tugu Inscription. The museum also features maps, drawings, and a monument commemorating the friendship between the Sunda and Portuguese peoples, which provide insights into the city's founding in the 16th century.

The museum's rich furniture collection spans the 16th through 18th centuries, illustrating the evolution of Indonesian society. A unique and captivating style emerges from the fusion of European, Chinese, and indigenous influences, defining the local culture and civilization. This furniture collection is considered the world's most comprehensive colonial assortment.

An array of art pieces, glassware, pottery, stone and wood carvings, swords, metal objects, and leather and cloth items are displayed in specialized collections. These pieces are organized chronologically, presenting Indonesian history through their antiquated appearance.

When visiting the museum, be sure to explore the basement cells and Fatahillah Square—named after Jakarta's founder, Prince Fatahillah—for a thorough understanding of the locale.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jakarta. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Jakarta History Museum (Museum Fatahillah) on Map

Sight Name: Jakarta History Museum (Museum Fatahillah)
Sight Location: Jakarta, Indonesia (See walking tours in Jakarta)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Jakarta, Indonesia

Create Your Own Walk in Jakarta

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Jakarta Introduction Walking Tour

Jakarta Introduction Walking Tour

The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, is a massive, fast-paced metropolis and a melting pot of cultures – Asian and European – that historically coexisted and imprinted their influence on the city's architecture, language, cuisine, and lifestyle. The local Istiqlal Mosque is the largest Islamic temple in Southeast Asia, while the Neo-Gothic Gereja Katedral, also known as the Jakarta...  view more

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Throughout the centuries, the European powers, particularly the Dutch who colonized Indonesia from the 1800s until 1945, left their mark on Jakarta. At one time known as Batavia, the de-facto capital of the Dutch East Indies, today Jakarta boasts a wealth of old-time structures, featuring a fascinating blend of European and Javanese design influences.

One of the most prominent areas to explore...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

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