Overview

The site of this museum bears witness to decades of natural disasters and colonialism. It was originally occupied by a Dutch reformed church until a devastating earthquake in 1808 and then by a warehouse until 1912. Some prominent Dutch officials are buried in the small cemetery at the back. The museum boasts thousands of puppets from all parts of Indonesia. Two of the most famous are wayang kulit and wayang golek. These shadow puppets entertain here--usually with gamelan music--at 10am on Sundays, lending an exotic insight into the native theatrical scene.