Yogyakarta Museums

(Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia)

Since Yogyakarta played such an important part in the War of Independence in the mid-20th century, against the Dutch, it will come as no great surprise that a number of museums and memorials in the city and dedicated to this subject.

Located on the northerly side of Yogyakarta's main square, the Museum Sono Budoyo really is the pick of all the city's museums. However, the Sultan's Carriage Museum at the Yogyakarta kraton certainly comes in at a close second, mainly for its sheer extravagance and displays of wealth.

Museum Kareta Kraton (Sultan's Carriage Museum)

Address: Kelurahan Kadipaten, off the Jalan Ngasem, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, ID
Located close to the entrance of the kraton (palace), the Museum Kareta Kraton contains a variety of very impressive chariots and carriages, once used by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VII (1839 to 1921), who was often referred to as the sultan of reformation and reigned from 1877, until his death. In total, there are 23 different carriages on exhibit here, all of which are extremely extravagant in their design, with plush seating and really no expense spared. Some of the carriages were used for horse racing and simple daily transportation, and most originated from Amsterdam and other parts of the Netherlands. The Kareta Garudo Yeksa is amongst the most famous of all these carriages and is known as the 'Golden Carriage', since is features a small 18-carat gold statue of Garuda (a mythical bird-like creature from Buddhist mythology).
Open hours: Saturday to Thursday - 08:00 to 14:00, Friday - 08:00 to 12:00
Admission: charge

Museum Dirgantara (Aircraft Museum)

Address: Jalan Kolonel Sugiono, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, ID
Tel: +62 0274 564 465
Situated alongside the Adisucipto International Airport and on the very outskirts of Yogyakarta, the Museum Dirgantara contains a large and interesting collection of vintage aircraft, dating from the Second World War. Particular favourites with visitors include the Badger bomber, the P-51 Mustang, the F-86 Sabre, the T-33 Bird and also the immense PBY Catalina flying boat, the latter of which was used in the 1940s for anti-submarine warfare. Of interest, the PBY Catalina was such as successful aircraft that a handful remained in military service right into the 1980s.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 08:00 to 13:00, Saturday - 08:00 to 12:00
Admission: charge

Museum Sono Budoyo

Address: Jalan Trikora 6, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, ID
Tel: +62 0274 373 617
The Museum Sono Budoyo stands in central Yogyakarta and directly outside of the kraton, where it is dedicated to regional Javanese history. This really is the pick of the city's museums and visitors can expect to find a diverse array of Indonesian artefacts and archaeological relics, which range from traditional puppets (wayang kulit) and masks (topeng), to wax-dyed 'batik' textiles and traditional Javanese art. There is also a collection of Hindu statuary, originating from throughout Indonesia and beyond.
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday - 08:00 to 13:30, Friday - 08:00 to 11:15, Saturday and Sunday - 08:00 to 12:00
Admission: charge

Museum Kekayon

Address: Jalan Raya Yogya, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, ID
Tel: +62 0274 513 218
Famed for its extensive collection of Indonesian puppets (wayang), the Museum Kekayon was established in 1990, to preserve some of the country's most beautiful and historic leather puppets for future generations. The attraction itself is divided into a series on ten separate spaces, each of which contains different information about the historic regions of Indonesia. Outside, the tropical Javanese garden is especially tranquil.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:00 to 15:00
Admission: charge

Museum Sasana Wiratama

Address: Monumen Diponegoro, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, ID
The Museum Sasana Wiratama honours and remembers the life of famous Indonesian hero Prince Diponegoro, who is known for his role as the leader of the rebellion against the Dutch, between 1825 and 1830. Housed within his former residence, attractions include much of his personal memorabilia and regalia, although not all are in good condition.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:00 to 12:00
Admission: charge

Benteng Vredeburg Museum

Address: Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani 6, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, ID
Tel: +62 0274 586 934
The Benteng Vredeburg itself dates from 1765 and is housed within a small fortress, built during the Dutch period. Fully restored, the onsite fortress museum contains a number of impressive dioramas, which showcase the history's involvement in the independence movement. Whilst the dioramas are interesting and worth a look, many find the architecture of the fortress equally appealing.
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday - 08:30 to 13:30, Friday - 08:30 to 11:00, Saturday and Sunday - 08:30 to 12:00
Admission: charge