Visiting the National Gallery of Indonesia (Galeri Nasional Indonesia)

Visiting the National Gallery of Indonesia (Galeri Nasional Indonesia)
Visiting the National Gallery of Indonesia (Galeri Nasional Indonesia)

Visiting the National Gallery of Indonesia (Galeri Nasional Indonesia) is one of the top things to do when in Jakarta. It is without question, one of, if not, the best exhibit of art in the city!

Outside look of the National Gallery of Indonesia

National Gallery of Indonesia Visit Overview

When you visit the National Gallery of Indonesia you will get the opportunity to see over 1700 pieces of art on display with the “aim of protecting, developing, making a proper use of artworks as a cultural-education facility and recreation, as well as a media for the development of creativity and art appreciation.

One of the permanent artworks found in the National Gallery of Indonesia

The Gallery itself is quite impressive with a wide range of different styles from different time periods. Although there are plenty of pieces from Indonesian artists you can also expect international works as well.

The collection at the National Gallery of Indonesia is comprised of work from Indonesian artists such as Raden Saleh, Affandi, Basuki Abdullah.

You will also see international work from artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Hans Hartung, Victor Vasarely, Sonia Delaunay, Pierre Soulages, and Zao Wou Ki.

When you visit the National Gallery of Indonesia you will have the choice to visit a few different buildings, so don’t leave until you have seen them all.

One of the striking modern art pieces

If you are an art lover, or just someone wanting to see some local talent, the National Gallery of Indonesia is probably the best place exhibit to check out while in Jakarta. It can easily take up 1 hour or even more if you plan to take videos and study the pieces of work on display.  

Different people tend to value and appreciate works of art differently. Therefore, you should plan on visiting the National Gallery of Indonesia for anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours.

The museum is quite laid back about visitors taking photos inside the Gallery. Therefore, don’t forget your camera!

National Gallery’s modern and arguably “bizarre” art installations will intrigue you.

The National Gallery of Indonesia Travel Insider Tip

The National Gallery of Indonesia is one of those ‘free’ attractions that every visitor to Jakarta should take advantage of.

Yes you heard it right! Entrance fee to the National Gallery of Indonesia is absolutely FREE!

Similar museums and exhibits in Europe and North America can have entrance fees up to and even exceeding $20 US dollars. Therefore, if you are visiting Jakarta, you should definitely visit the National Gallery.  It’s really interesting, conveniently located, and best of all, it’s free!

A sample of the modern installations featured at the National Art Gallery of Indonesia

National Gallery of Indonesia Essential Visitor Information

Operation Times: Mondays to Sundays:  10 am to 7 pm
Entrance Fee: FREE
Address: Jalan Medan Merdeka Tim. No.14, RT.6/RW.1, Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat


After Visiting the National Gallery of Indonesia, What Else to See?

Visiting the National Gallery of Indonesia in Jakarta is a convenient travel experience. This is because the museum is located in an ideal position beside the following important sights in central Jakarta:

If you’re visiting the National Gallery of Indonesia, you can technically walk to any of these points of interest. You could also arrange short rides between them as well. Try to visit them on the same day to reduce transit time in Jakarta’s traffic.

If you at the National Gallery of Indonesia and interested in getting some shopping done, then try Plaza Atrium. This is the closest shopping mall located to the east of the Gallery. You can drive there in under 5 minutes. Plaza Atrium is popular with local shoppers, but it does have a few international chains.

The area around the National Gallery of Indonesia is also a pleasant area to stay during your time in Jakarta. There are sidewalks and wide streets. There are two hotels that are quite close that you may want to consider: Aryaduta Jakarta and Hotel Borobudur Jakarta. You can walk to either one of these hotels or arrange a short ride from the Gallery.

When you visit the National Gallery of Indonesia you will also be within close proximity to at least 5 other museums. They are located throughout Menteng and Senen.

If you travel about 2 km south of National Gallery of Indonesia, you will reach Bundaran HI, the Selamat Datang Monument and three malls: Thamrin City, Grand Indonesia, and Plaza Indonesia.

The roundabout in Thamrin is surrounded by some of the best hotels in Jakarta such as the Mandarin Oriental, the Grand Hyatt, and Hotel Kempinski Indonesia.

If you stay at one of these hotels you should be able to reach the National Gallery of Indonesia in about 10 minutes.

Enjoy the convenience of staying near the National Gallery of Indonesia. You will be located in one of the best neighborhoods for sightseeing in Jakarta.  


10 Closest Hotels to National Gallery of Indonesia in Jakarta

***Organized according to Star Rating

Name of Property Star Rating/Distance/Travel Time to Station Average Guest Review Score
Fraser Residence Menteng Jakarta 5-Star (800 m/1 minute walk) 8.8/10 932+ reviews
Hotel Borobudur Jakarta 5-Star (1 km/12 minute walk) 8.3/10 3121+ reviews
B Shaw Hotel & Restaurant 4-Star (1.2 km/15 minute walk) (3.8 km/9 minute drive) 7.2/10 124+ reviews
Aryaduta Jakarta 4-Star (700 m/9 minute walk) 8.0/10 1943+ reviews
Lumire Hotel 4-Star (1.7 km/21 minute walk) (1.7 km/4 minute drive) 7.8/10 749+ reviews
Paragon Gallery Hotel Jakarta 3-Star (3.2 km/7 minute drive) 6.4/10 198+ reviews
Puri Kwitang 2-Star (1.4 km/17 minute walk) 7.1/10 35+ reviews
Cipta Hotel Wahid Hasyim 2-Star (1.5 km/18 minute walk) (3.6 km/8 minute drive) 7.2/10 472 reviews
Rota Hotel 2-Star (1.5 km/18 minute walk) (3.6 km/8 minute drive) 6.6/10 81+ reviews
Rumah Kost 10 Gambir 1-Star (500 m/6 minute walk) 6.0/10 15+ reviews
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