The Jakarta Culture Agency is set to conduct a trial extension of operational hours for five museums until the evening from May 10 to 11, 2025.

Visitors can enjoy a different atmosphere

Those museums are Jakarta History Museum, Fine Arts and Ceramics Museum, Wayang Museum, Bahari Museum, and Betawi Museum in Setu Babakan.

They will operate from 9 AM to 8 PM, to give the public a chance to experience a different atmosphere enjoying the museum at night.

Jakarta Culture Agency Head, Mochammad Miftahulloh Tamary said, the five museums was chosen following the readiness of facilities and visitor potential.

"We chose a museum that is ready, with relatively many visitors and easy access. But, we will try until 8 PM to see what the visitor interest is like. Specifically, the Bahari Museum is still relatively quiet, but we will provide a shuttle service from the Fatahillah Park area to there," he expressed, Friday (5/9).

He explained no reservation is needed to visit the museum, except for the immersive room at the Wayang Museum, which has session divisions, with a maximum of 30 people per session for 30 minutes. Aside that, the entire museum is open freely without the need for registration.

He explained this program is an effort to make museums a more inclusive and engaging public space. The extension of the museum's operating hours is an opportunity to explore the richness of Jakarta's art, culture, and history beyond regular visiting hours.

"We want visitors to experience the atmosphere of the museum at night, which offers a different experience in enjoying the history, art, and culture of Jakarta. Hope this can attract public interest in museums and can become a regular activity if it receives a positive response from the public," he added.

From the facilities side, the museum is ready, but like Fine Arts and Ceramics Museum, it still needs lighting. The Wayang Museum, which has just been revitalized, is quite sufficient.

Despite most museums do not have special programs yet, the Betawi Setu Babakan Museum will host a Traditional Betawi Cultural Arts Performance on May 10, 2025. It will start with an ondel-ondel performance from Sanggar Gubuk Reot at 4 PM, followed by traditional Betawi dances from Sanggar Kencana Budaya at 7 PM, and will be closed with a Betawi comedy show from Sanggar Oplet Robet at 7:30 PM.

Meanwhile, in the museums of the Kota Tua are,  such as Wayang Museum and History Museum, there are no art programs for this weekend. However, there will be an all-night shadow puppet show at Fatahillah Park held by the Wayang Museum on May 24, 2025, which could also serve as the official launch moment for the night museum opening program.

"Hopefully, visitors can enjoy a different atmosphere when visiting the museum at night, more comfortable, not hot, and it can be an alternative after work or evening strolls," he hoped.