If you’re thinking of visiting Jakarta and wondering what the Kota Tua Museum all about, then let me tell you—it’s really something special. Kota Tua, which means Jakarta Old Town, is where you’ll find a bunch of museums that show off the city’s colonial heritage, Indonesian culture, maritime history, banking, and art.
Since each museum has a different theme, exploring Kota Tua will never disappoint. So, whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on your own, these museums offer an exciting way to discover Jakarta’s past while strolling around one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.
10 Must-Visit Museums in Kota Tua
If you’re traveling to Jakarta and looking for what to do in Kota Tua Jakarta, start with these ten must-visit museums.
1. Jakarta History Museum (Museum Fatahillah)
When people ask what the Kota Tua Museum in Jakarta is, many often refer to the Jakarta History Museum, which is also known as Museum Fatahillah. This museum is located inside the old Batavia City Hall, a historic building that dates back to the early 1700s and traces Jakarta’s transformation from Batavia to the modern city.
Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection, including colonial-era furniture, ceramics, maps, books, weapons, archaeological artifacts, and historical exhibits.
Ticket price: Adults IDR 5,000, students IDR 3,000, children IDR 2,000.
2. Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics
This museum, which is only a short walk from Fatahillah Museum, has more than 1,800 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and contemporary Indonesian art. Visitors can also participate in pottery workshops or browse the museum library to learn more about Indonesian art and craftsmanship.
Ticket price: Adults IDR 10,000–15,000; students and children IDR 5,000.
3. Bank Indonesia Museum
Tucked inside a magnificently preserved colonial building, the Bank Indonesia Museum tells about Indonesia’s financial history from pre-colonial times to the present. Inside, you’ll find more than just interactive exhibits but also immersive cinema, historic banknotes, gold collections, and numismatic displays.
Ticket price: IDR 5,000 or free with a valid student ID.
4. Bank Mandiri Museum
Right next to the Bank Indonesia museum, this museum exhibits the evolution of Indonesia’s banking industry. Located inside one of Kota Tua’s most aesthetic colonial buildings, visitors can explore vintage safes, historical documents, banking equipment, and antique currencies.
Ticket price: IDR 5,000; free for students and children under three.
5. BNI Museum
BNI Museum is another bank museum you shouldn’t miss while visiting Kota Tua. This museum particularly highlights Bank Negara Indonesia’s role in printing Indonesia’s first official currency, ORI (Oeang Republik Indonesia). Exhibits include ATMs, money-printing machines, typewriters, safes, historical photographs, and rare banking equipment.
Ticket price: IDR 5,000; free with a student ID.
6. Wayang Museum
The Wayang Museum is one of Indonesia’s most treasured art forms. Its collections include more than 6,800 puppets, ranging from traditional wayang kulit and wayang golek to puppets from various countries, including India, Malaysia, Thailand, China, and several European countries.
In addition, visitors can also watch live puppet performances or join wayan-making workshops.
Ticket price: Adults IDR 5,000, students IDR 3,000, children IDR 2,000.
7. Maritime Museum
Located inside historic Dutch spice warehouses, the Maritime Museum is where Indonesia’s maritime heritage comes to life. The museum features exhibits of traditional boats, navigation tools, shipping history, and Indonesia’s seafaring culture. There is also the ancient Syahbandar Tower that was used to monitor ship traffic entering Batavia’s harbor.
Ticket price: Adults IDR 5,000, students IDR 3,000, children IDR 2,000.
8. Magic Art 3D Museum
If you’re looking for something more interactive, the Magic Art D Museum is where to go. It features seven themed zones filled with immersive paintings, optical illusions, and creative photo opportunities. You will also find out that popular attractions include the Ames Room, Mirror Room, and Optical Chair.
Ticket price: Adults IDR 60,000–80,000; children IDR 40,000–50,000.
9. Toko Merah
With its vibrant red exterior, Toko Merah is one of Kota Tua’s most iconic colonial structures. It’s one of the most favorite photography spots in Kota Tua thanks to its being one of the few old Batavia residential buildings that remain to this day.
Today, visitors can also relax at RODE Winkel, a colonial-style café serving Indonesian dishes, coffee, and light snacks.
Ticket price: IDR 10,000.
10. Kota Tua Post Office
Although it still functions as a post office, this historic building has been transformed into a contemporary exhibition space. There are several exciting things to do, including writing postcards for future selves, mailing them using antique postboxes, or even creating personalized postage stamps to take home as gifts.
Ticket price: Adults IDR 5,000, students IDR 3,000, children IDR 2,000.
Discover Jakarta’s History One Museum at a Time
Now that you know what Kota Tua Museum in Jakarta is, it’s easy to understand why the area continues to be one of the city’s most rewarding cultural attractions.
From colonial architecture and financial history to maritime heritage and interactive art, there’s always something to do in Kota Tua Jakarta. But before your visit, make sure to check the latest Jakarta History Museum ticket price in advance, as they may change over time.
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To streamline your Kota Tua trip, make sure to book your stay at Bobopod Kota Tua, Jakarta. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of many of these attractions. You can book your stay through the Bobobox app to enjoy exclusive offers and a seamless check-in experience.
Before planning your Kota Tua trip, remember to try Bobobox’s Discover More, Discover You personality test to find travel destinations and personalized itineraries that best match your personality.
Header image by: Visual Karsa via Unsplash
