Jakarta Art Building, Performing arts center in Central Jakarta, Indonesia
The Jakarta Art Building is a neo-classical performing arts venue at the heart of Central Jakarta, featuring a rectangular footprint, symmetrical facades, and a distinctive dome. Inside, the auditorium contains 451 seats arranged in a horseshoe layout with contemporary sound systems, stage lighting, and climate control.
Built in 1821 under Dutch colonial rule as Theater Schouwburg Weltevreden, the structure initially served European performances. After decades functioning as a cinema under different names, it eventually returned to its original purpose as an arts center.
This venue serves as a home for traditional Javanese arts, including wayang kulit shadow puppet theater and gamelan orchestras that perform regularly. Visitors experience local artistic traditions in a modern setting where classical forms share the stage with contemporary works.
Visiting works best during regular performances and concerts held throughout the year. It helps to plan ahead since events have limited time slots and seating is restricted to the auditorium's capacity.
During the 1960s, the building operated as a cinema under the name Diana before briefly becoming City Theater in 1969. This chapter as a movie house is often overlooked by visitors exploring its journey from colonial theater to modern arts venue.
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