Exploring the city of Yogyakarta, get to know the city and its history better. Downtown near the city landmark, Fort Vredeburg Museum is a good start. The museum offers not only pretentious architecture from the Dutch era. At the same time, museum guests could know more about the city’s historical background and its first King.
Fort Vredeburg Museum is an old fortress from the Dutch colonial era. Seeing it today, people will still be able to witness its strong construction. Back in the day, the fort once was doing the job of defending the city.
Vredeburg offers fun and interactive media such as dioramas and audiovisuals. After a tour, guests are guaranteed will get a better perspective of the historical moment in Yogyakarta. Exploring the museum and the entire collection will at least take 1 hour.
Fort Vredeburg Museum Entrance Fee
International tourists will have to pay slightly more than locals. The entrance ticket is Rp 10,000, and there is no additional charge to watch the movie in the cinema.
| Fort Vredeburg Museum Entrance Fee | |
| International visitor | Rp10,000 |
See: Guide To Explore Beringharjo Market & Street Food.
Fort Vredeburg Museum Opening Hours
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and closes on Monday. Including national holidays except for Islamic celebrations like Idul Fitri and Idul Adha.
| Fort Vredeburg Museum Opening Hours | |
| Tuesday – Sunday | 08:00 – 16:00 |
See: Yogyakarta Palace Guide & Performances Schedule
Fort Vredeburg Museum History
The construction of Fort Vredeburg happened during the reign of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I. The first King of Yogyakarta. Initially, the fort was built based on the suggestion of Nicolaas Harting. He is the governor and representative of the Dutch government at that time.
The fort supposedly is an effort to keep Yogyakarta Palace secure from any enemy threat. But in fact, the governor has another purpose. By building a fortress he can also spy and supervise every activity in the palace.
At that time, it was just a simple ordinary fort. Made of wood from a coconut tree and palm tree with the roof from reeds. The wide trench surrounding the fort is made as a defense mechanism. The fort has 4 bunkers located in each corner of the building.
Fort Vredeburg name once was Rustenburg. Rustenburg means the place to take a rest. After an earthquake in 1867, the fort was renovated, and changed its name into Vredeburg which means peace.
The name represents its manifestation. Because there was no longer a defense needed between the Dutch and Keraton. Although it had already been renovated. The guest will still be able to see the same architecture as before.
Indonesia History in Museum
Fort Vredeburg Museum provides some great spots to explore. Visitors that love architecture and patterns of old buildings. High ceiling, strong pillar, exploring the Fort Vredeburg museum is the right choice.
At the outside of the fort, visitors can see the wide trench with a bridge. The bridge is a non-permanent sturdy one at that time. But it has been changed into a permanent bridge.
The construction of the Fort Vredeburg museum is firm for defense. A reconnaissance spot and storage to keep the cannon or weapons for war. There is 3 gate on the west, east and south side of the fort. The gate bridges the fort from the inside to the outside.
The barrack for soldiers and captains is located in the middle of Fort Vredeburg Museum. In the development, the function changes into a military barrack. The last building is the monument of the first March invasion. This monument was built as a commemoration of the historical event that happens in 1949.
Sometimes on weekends, the fort is used as a gathering place by the local community. To get a better photo and angle make sure to come early to avoid hordes.
Indonesian History in Diorama
Every diorama in Fort Vredeburg Museum represents a different period of Indonesian historical events. There are 4 rooms for the dioramas.
First diorama room consists of 11 minirama. Showing the event from Diponegoro wartime until the occupation of the Japanese in Yogyakarta. It happened from 1825 up to 1942.
The second diorama room consists of 19 minirama. This is where the most important story of an event for Indonesian people. From the beginning of Indonesian Independence or known as Proklamasi to the first Dutch Military Aggression. The period of the story plot begins from 1945 to 1947.
The third diorama consists of 18 minirama. From the Renville Agreement to recognition of the sovereignty of RIS. The story happens from 1948 to 1949.
The last diorama consists of 7 minirama. From NKRI to the new developing era in Indonesia. That happened from 1950 to 1974. Beside dioramas, there is statues, painting, and audiovisual media for the guest. To learn and know better the story of every historical event that happened at that time.
Movie & Audiovisual
The movie and audiovisual are on the second floor of the Museum building. The first movie screenplays at 10 AM and the last movie at 01 PM.
Facilities
The museum offers spacious rooms for group visitors. The museum architecture and vast area are perfect for hosting events such as seminars, and meetings. The additional facility has audio-visual rooms for watching a history documentary.
Fort Vredeburg Museum has a well-equipped library. And interactive games for children. The Museum provides a licensed guide too, upon request for a visitor coming with the group.
Try the restaurant and cafe available in Fort Vredeburg Museum. Indische Koffie offers a classic and elegant artistic interior. Will be the perfect choice to pause after wandering the museum. Enjoy the old-time atmosphere and try their best specialty chocolate and herb coffee.
See: Yogyakarta International Airport & Transportations Guide.
How To Get To Fort Vredeburg Museum
Located in the center of Yogyakarta, the Fort Vredeburg Museum is easy to reach. From Malioboro street, walk in the south direction approximately 300 meters to the end of the street. Fort Vredeburg Museum is right in front of the post office. Trans Jogja bus lines 1A, 2A, and 3A also stop at Vredeburg Shelter.
See: Tourists SIM Card, Price & Internet Package.
Address & Location
The museum is located in Jl. Margo Mulyo No.6, Ngupasan, Gondomanan, Special Region Yogyakarta 55122.
