House of Sampoerna, Tobacco museum in Surabaya, Indonesia
The House of Sampoerna is a tobacco museum in Surabaya located in a Dutch colonial building. The complex includes a central main structure, two side buildings, and several single-story facilities that show how the factory was organized during its working years.
The building was founded in 1862 as an orphanage and purchased by Liem Seeng Tee in 1932 to establish the first major cigarette production facility. This change marked the beginning of a successful family business that grew into an important manufacturer across Indonesia.
The house displays traditional hand-rolling techniques for kretek cigarettes that you can watch in the workshops. The clothing and photographs on view tell the story of the family and their importance to the local community.
Plan your visit for early morning or afternoon to watch the workshops in operation, as hand-rolling activity is most active when you arrive at the right time. The main building and workshops are easily reached on foot, and you can explore the individual houses independently.
The collection includes a 1972 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow that belonged to the family and demonstrates their wealth. This vehicle stands as a symbol of the business success the company achieved, and it often catches the attention of visitors who notice this contrast between ancient craftsmanship and modern luxury.
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