Aceh Tsunami Museum, History museum in Baiturrahman, Indonesia
The Aceh Tsunami Museum is a history museum in Baiturrahman, Indonesia, that commemorates the 2004 disaster and is housed in a four-story building with geometric reliefs. A narrow corridor between two water walls gives visitors a sense of the conditions during a tsunami.
After the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004, the construction of this memorial was planned and designed by architect Ridwan Kamil. The building first opened its doors in December 2009 and has since served as a place of remembrance.
The outer walls carry ornamental patterns and verses from the Quran, while inside large images recall the traditional Saman dance. This combination connects religious references with the cultural heritage of the region and shows how deeply rooted people are in their faith.
The museum opens from Monday to Saturday, with a morning session from 9 to 12 and an afternoon session from 2 to 4:30 in the afternoon. On Sundays the facility remains closed, so it is worth planning your visit accordingly.
The building serves a double function as an educational center and emergency shelter in case a similar event should happen again. A refuge hill has been built on the roof to offer protection in the event of another tidal wave.
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