Semarang Museums

(Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia)

As the capital of Central Java, Semarang is home to a selection of museums and similar cultural attractions. The various museums of Semarang provide an interesting glimpse into days gone by and contain all kinds of historical collections.

The Museum Rekor Indonesia - MURI (Indonesian Records) is a particularly popular attraction and certainly appeals to all ages, while the Mandala Bhakti (Military Museum) is more of a niche attraction and is aimed at those visiting Semarang with an interest in Indonesian weaponry through the ages.

Mandala Bhakti (Military Museum)

Address: Jalan Sugiyopranoto, Semarang, Indonesia, ID
The Mandala Bhakti is better known to tourists as the Military Museum, and is home to a wealth of military memorabilia. These come in the form of historical Indonesian weapons through the ages, ranging from bamboo spears to more modern guns, used in the fight against the Dutch and colonial rule. Formerly operating as a law court for the city of Semarang, the Mandala Bhakti has been here since it was founded in 1987. Look out for the photographs of Indonesian war heroes.
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday - 08:00 to 14:00, Friday - 08:00 to 11:30, Saturday - 08:00 to 12:30, Sunday - 08:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge

Ronggowarsito Museum

Address: Jalan Abdulrachman, Semarang, Indonesia, ID
Located around 2 km / 1.5 miles from the Achmad Yani International Airport and on the Jalan Abdulrachman, the Ronggowarsito Museum is a popular provincial attraction, filled with interesting exhibits gathered from throughout Central Java. The history of Indonesia is briefly explained, and the stone panel originating from the Mantingan Mosque is of particular interest, along with the Islamic motifs.
Open hours: daily 08:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Jamu Museums (Herbal Medicine)

Address: Jamu Nyonya Meneer, Jalan Raya Kaligawe, Semarang, Indonesia, ID
Tel: +62 024 658 3088
Address: Jamu Jago, Jalan Setia Budi 273, Semarang, Indonesia, ID
Tel: +62 024 354 3800
Semarang features no less than two different 'jamu' manufacturers, where local herbal drinks and medicines are produced in huge quantities. Both of these jamu facilities have their very own museums, where the public can learn about the regional importance of the jamu drink and its various traditional production methods. The Jamu Nyonya Meneer can be found close to the city's bus station, while the Jamu Jago stands some 6 km / 4 miles to the south of the city centre, along the Ambarawa road.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 15:00
Admission: free

Museum Rekor Indonesia - MURI (Indonesian Record Museum)

Established in the early 1990s and home to more than 1,500 important records relating to the history of both the city and the country, the Museum Rekor Indonesia is a fun family attraction. Come here to find out who won the 'Longest Hair Contest' on Bali TV, who produced the first award-winning music album without using any musical instruments, and who is currently Indonesia's youngest novelist, amongst other fascinating facts and information.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 16:00
Admission: free