Culture
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Nusantara (MACAN), Kebon Jeruk
Museum Macan is the country’s leading institution for modern and contemporary art. Founded in 2017 by art collector Haryanto Adikoesoemo, Macan offers a window to the world, featuring big names such as Japanese artists Chiharu Shiota and Yayoi Kusama, while also spotlighting local creatives through major exhibitions, including a showcase by Natasha Tontey. Chinese curator and writer Venus Lau took over as director in 2024.
Museum Nasional Indonesia, Gambir, Gambir
An important repository for artefacts that chronicle the nation’s journey, the museum is an institution whose founding can be traced back to colonial times, when it was first established in 1778 by the Dutch East Indies government. The oldest original building is from 1862 and numerous extensions have occurred over its history. Closed for the most of 2024 due to a fire incident (forcing it to undergo major renovation), it reopened late last year with an exhibition showcasing newly repatriated collections from the Netherlands.
Roh Projects, Menteng, Menteng
A maverick gallery established in 2014, Roh Projects finally found a permanent home in 2022 when it moved into a converted mid-century colonial house on Jalan Surabaya in the upscale Menteng neighbourhood. Notable names that it represents include Maruto Ardi, Kei Imazu, Bagus Pandega and art collective Tromarama. Visit for a glimpse of Indonesia’s contemporary-art scene.
Jakarta Art Hub, Gondangdia, Menteng
A network of galleries under different roofs, Jakarta Art Hub is based across two office buildings on Jalan Timor: Wisma Geha and Gedung Ranuza. Celebrated curator Enin Supriyanto was the first to move in when he started organising exhibitions in 2018 at his basement space at Rubanah Underground Hub. Other galleries soon followed and the Jakarta Art Hub was introduced in 2023. Today it is run by IndoArtNow, a foundation led by Art Jakarta fair director, Tom Tandio.
Taman Ismail Marzuki, Cikini, Menteng
Taman Ismail Marzuki’s revitalisation in 2021 was led by Indonesia’s premier architect, Andra Matin. The cultural centre, consisting of several facilities and open spaces, houses its original 1968 performance halls alongside Galeri Annex, indie cinema Kineforum and Jakarta’s main library. Taman Ismail Marzuki was once the stomping ground of the country’s legendary playwrights and poets, including Rustam Effendi, Arifin C Noer and WS Rendra. These days you are more likely to meet students and creatives from the neighbouring Jakarta Institute for the Arts.
