Sulawesi Museums and Art Galleries

(Sulawesi, Sunda Islands, Indonesia)



The museums of Sulawesi are on hand to provide tourists with cultural information about the island's rich Indonesian history. Of note is the Museum Negeri Propinsi Sulawesi Utara in Manado, as well as the Negeri La Galigo in Makassar.

Also in Makassar is the Museum Balla Lompoa (Beteng Sungguminasa), which formerly operated as a royal residence. The former palace that is now the Museum Batara Guru is to be found in the Islamic port town of Palopo, on the north-easterly coastline of the South Sulawesi peninsula and directly to the north of Watampone.


Museum Negeri La Galigo

Address: Fort Rotterdam, Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia, ID
The Museum Negeri La Galigo is a particular highlight of Makassar and actually stands within the grounds of the city's famous Fort Rotterdam. The exhibits include many artefacts gathered from the region, such as historical rice bowls originating from Tana Toraja, as well as various kitchen utensils and Indonesian musical instruments. There are also some colourful traditional costumes on display. The admission charge is quite minimal, making it all the more appealing.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:00 to 12:30
Admission: charge

Museum Balla Lompoa (Beteng Sungguminasa)

Address: Beteng Sungguminasa, Jalan Kh Wahid Hasyim, Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia, ID
Also known to many as the Beteng Sungguminasa fortress, the Museum Balla Lompoa is another cultural attraction in Makassar and is home to an extensive collection of regional relics. The Bugis-style fortress is the main attraction here, although the royal regalia and gifts donated by the Elcho Island's Australian Aborigines are also likely to be of interest.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Museum Lapawawoi

Address: Jalan Thamrin, Watampone, Pulau Selayar, Sulawesi, Indonesia, ID
Located in South Sulawesi and on the narrow island of Pulau Selayar, in the small town of Watampone (Bone), the Museum Lapawawoi is a grand palace, where a number of important and impressive regional collections are housed. Special highlights include photographs depicting past state ceremonies and occasions, as well as some court memorabilia, paintings and antiquities.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Museum Batara Guru

Address: Palopo, Sulawesi, Indonesia, ID
The Museum Batara Guru stands just across from the police station, where it contains a host of relics relating to the royal family. Nearby, be sure to check out Bugis village and its very scenic waterfront, which comes complete with pier and fishing boats.
Open hours: daily - hours vary
Admission: charge

Museum Negeri Propinsi Sulawesi Tengah

Address: Jalan Sapri, Palu, Sulawesi, Indonesia, ID
Tel: +62 0451 422 290
The spacious Museum Negeri Propinsi Sulawesi Tengah can be found in Central Sulawesi, in the capital of Palu. Visitors will be treated to an array of traditional Indonesian art works, as well as some ancient archaeological artefacts and geological items of interest. However, being located outside of the city centre, it is a fair trek to walk here.
Open hours: daily - hours vary
Admission: free

Museum Negeri Propinsi Sulawesi Utara

Address: Jalan Supratman, Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia, ID
Although the majority of the attractions within the huge city of Manado (North Sulawesi) do tend to reside in parts of the city other than the city centre, the Museum Negeri Propinsi Sulawesi Utara is an exception to this, since it is to be found in the heart of the action. All of the exhibits are well captioned in English and include an assortment of traditional costumes and clothing, ornaments, local relics and historical household utensils.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 08:00 to 15:30, Friday - 08:00 to 12:00
Admission: charge