Lombok Museums and Art Galleries

(Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia)

There is no denying that Lombok is a very multicultural island, and its rich Indonesian heritage is preserved at a number of different museums and similar attractions, such as art galleries and handicraft centres.

Regarded by many as the premier museum-type attraction of its kind on the entire island of Lombok, the State Museum of West Nusa Tenggara certainly does come highly recommended, and rightly so.

Housing an impressive collection of geological exhibits, historical artefacts and cultural treasures from both Lombok and Sumbawa, the State Museum of West Nusa Tenggara is also often referred to as the Lombok Art Museum, since it features such an extensive collection of decorative arts.

State Museum of West Nusa Tenggara (Museum Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat)

Address: Jalan Panji Tilar Negara, Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia, ID
Tel: +62 0370 632 519
The State Museum of West Nusa Tenggara lies within the city of Mataram, in the South Ampenan area, and boasts many landscape paintings of Indonesian village life. Of further interest are the displays in the Permanent Exhibition Hall, which range from fossils, huge photos, and palm-leaf manuscripts, to weaponry, pre-historic hunting tools, historical earthenware, stone statues, musical instruments and even traditional wedding outfits worn by ethnic tribes, such as the Mbojo and the Sasak.
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday - 08:00 to 14:00, Friday - 08:00 to 23:00
Admission: charge

Lombok Pottery Centre

Address: Jalan Sriwijaya 111, Cakranegara, Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia, ID
Located within the Mataram region of Lombok and standing in the town of Cakra (Cakranegara), the Lombok Pottery Centre is well worth looking out for. The Pottery Centre is easy to find, standing close to the Hotel Sahid Legi, and is brimming with all kinds of Indonesian ceramics, many of which are perfect for souvenirs or holiday gifts, being competitively priced.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Lombok Handicraft Centre

Address: Sayang Sayang, Lombok, Indonesia, ID
The Lombok Handicraft Centre is to be found just 2 km / 1.5 miles to the north of Cakranegara, in nearby Sayang Sayang. Selling a wealth of Indonesian handicrafts, originating from the area and across Nusa Tenggara, the Handicraft Centre contains everything from hard-crafted wooden face masks and jewellery, to colourful plates and beautifully carved wooden gecko lizards.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Art Market (Pasar Seni)

Address: Jalan Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia, ID
The Art Market of Senggigi is known locally as the Pasar Seni and provides a good alternative to the large-scale shopping malls, being considerably more atmospheric. Situated on the main thoroughfare (the Jalan Raya Senggigi), the Pasar Seni is close to the Dive Indonesia office and is brimming with local handicrafts, which really do come in all shapes and sizes, and costs.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Asmara Collection

Address: Jalan Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia, ID
Tel: +62 0370 693 619
Close to the Pasar Seni art market and also based on the Jalan Raya Senggigi, in Senggigi, the Asmara Collection is sited directly next to a restaurant, which also goes by the same name. The Asmara Collection contains some very appealing tribal art works, along with detailed weavings, ornamental wooden carvings and handmade furniture.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free