The Best Art Galleries to Visit in Jakarta

This government-run gallery takes its visitors back to the early days of artistic pursuits in Indonesia and walks us through each important, captivating episode. As a prominent art and cultural space, it houses about 1,700 collections from the nation’s brightest artists, including the legendary Raden Saleh and Affandi. But the historical time-frame captured by this gallery extends to the present, as the National Gallery also showcases impressive contemporary artworks, from paintings to installations. More than the extensive collections in the permanent exhibition, this gallery also hosts important temporary exhibitions.

Established in 1983 by the name Mon Décor, this establishment predates most private art galleries in Jakarta; and its withstanding prominence is a testament to the quality and reputation it has held throughout the decades. When the gallery was reborn as Art:1 in 2011, it attracted fresh enthusiasm and excitement from urban art lovers, especially since it added a whole new space for contemporary works by emerging artists. But more than a fine art gallery, Art:1 also serves as an art institute that seeks to support the growth of art infrastructure in Indonesia.

Established in 2017, this establishment is the newest addition to the passionate and lively art sphere of Jakarta. As Indonesia’s first international modern art museum, it brings fresh novelty art works from local and international artists to the public, making the space a hub for talented artists, avid art enthusiasts, and even the curious general public. The museum features exhibition galleries, an indoor sculpture garden, and spaces for educational purposes.

More than just a gallery, Komunitas Salihara is indeed a community, welcoming and nurturing all forms of arts imaginable: visual arts, theater, dance, music, even art discussions. Founded by acclaimed journalist and poet Goenawan Mohamad, the art center is one of the most respected art establishments in the city. There is always something interesting going on in this dynamic space, from festivals to exhibitions; classics to contemporary; local to global. As a community, Salihara is the melting pot of thinkers, artists, writers, bibliophiles, and culture-enthusiasts in general.

Founded in 1984 by renowned photographer Edwin Rajarho, the gallery has utilized all the time and experience it has, to improve in every aspect. From a small space in Edwin’s garage, the gallery now claims a vast area in the lively Kemang neighborhood. During the last three decades, the art establishment has also contributed greatly in introducing local and international artists through prestigious exhibitions, including Sunaryo, Heri Dono, and Dolorosa Sinaga. It has received repeated honors to present major artworks from legendary artists including Ahmad Sadali and Affandi.

The first art gallery by Hadiprana was born in 1962, a tricky and awkward time for art progression in Indonesia due to national and political turmoil. However, the establishment managed to not only survive, but push art into the public eyes, making it a pioneer in promoting fine art. In 1997, the gallery moved and improved as an Art Boutique Mall that doesn’t only showcase high-quality art works, but also nurtures young new talents through classes. Hadiprana Gallery houses art in its many forms, from paintings to photographs, sculptures to videos.

Although the name means ‘ordinary’ in Indonesian, this art space is anything but average. Since its birth in 2005, this gallery has contributed greatly in promoting and developing the sphere of contemporary art in Indonesia. More than just a place to feast the eyes, the gallery operates on a mission to stimulate better socio-cultural understanding through art, invoking the thoughts and reflections of the urban dwellers in Jakarta with each piece. The art space sets no limits to the works it showcases, from visual displays to kinetic installations from local and foreign contemporary artists.

This elegant art space presents the private art collections of businessman and art enthusiast Rudy Akili. His versatile taste adds up to impressive, diverse collections from classical and realism to experimental, in the forms of paintings and installations. As a member of the Art Stage Jakarta Board of Art Patrons, Akili is eager to learn about all art works from the artists and dedicate his space as an access point to the public’s consciousness on contemporary art.