National Museum of Indonesia, National museum in Gambir, Jakarta, Indonesia.
The National Museum of Indonesia displays over 141,000 objects across several floors, including archaeological finds and collections from throughout the archipelago. The exhibition rooms are organized by period and region, with a focus on prehistoric tools and classical Javanese artworks.
Dutch scholars founded the institution in 1778 as part of a scientific society during the colonial period. The current main building was erected in 1868 and transferred to state administration after independence.
The collection shows stone reliefs from the 9th century, golden Buddha figures, and gamelan instruments from different regions. Visitors see traditional wayang puppets and Hindu sculptures that still play a role in religious festivals today.
The entrance is located on Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat near the large square. More visitors come on weekends, so the galleries are quieter and easier to explore during weekdays.
A bronze elephant statue stands in the forecourt and shapes the local image of the institution so much that residents call the building Gedung Gajah. The elephant was a gift from Thailand and became the unofficial symbol.
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