Fine Art and Ceramic Museum (Seni Rupa dan Keramik), Jakarta

The Fine Arts Museum is a must-visit for tourists, located in the Old City (Kota Tua) and surrounded by popular tourist attractions like the Maritime Museum, Jembatan Pasar Ayam (Chicken Market Bridge), Red Shop, and Sunda Kelapa Harbor.

The grand white Neoclassical building with a columned portico situated on the eastern side of Fatahillah Square was originally built as the Dutch Supreme Judiciary in 1870. Visitors can admire the impressive columns projecting from the marble floors, stroll through the lovely interior courtyard gardens, and climb the iron spiral staircase to the second floor. Over the years, the building has served various purposes, from the West Jakarta Mayor's Office to a military barracks, and since 1976, it has functioned as a museum.

The museum is divided into two sections: the fine art section and the ceramic section. The fine art section boasts over 400 paintings by renowned local artists like Raden Saleh, Dullah, S. Sudjojono, and Affandi, as well as sculptures from Bali, wooden totems, and magical objects displayed in the Balai Seni Rupa.

Meanwhile, the ceramic section showcases objects from Indonesia and neighboring countries, including China, with whom Indonesia has had significant economic relations. The collection features ceramic pieces from Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Germany, Holland, and the Middle East, with some items dating back to the 16th century.

Visitors can purchase souvenirs and participate in a ceramic workshop, where they can create their own ceramic objects. Don't miss out on this wonderful museum experience!