Bandung has long been a city of innovation. Once the playground of Dutch architects during the colonial era, this West Javanese capital remains an architectural treasure trove of Art Deco buildings. But Bandung isn’t just about its past—it’s a living, breathing hub of creativity, where students, artists, and designers shape its future.
Home to some of Indonesia’s top universities, including the prestigious Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), the city has an energy that fuels its vibrant arts and design scene. This dynamism is precisely why Bandung is packed with galleries, museums, and creative spaces that offer a glimpse into the minds of its most forward-thinking talents.
So, where does a creative soul begin their journey? These five destinations represent the essence of Bandung’s creative soul. From sculptures and installations to postal design and architectural marvels, each site tells a different story of how art, culture, and history intertwine in the city. But it is not only the contents of each destination, but the buildings and spaces themselves, which are testament to the city’s long artistic legacy.
NuArt Sculpture Park
One of Bandung’s most striking art spaces, NuArt Sculpture Park is the brainchild of renowned sculptor Nyoman Nuarta, best known for the monumental Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue in Bali.
Nestled in 4-hectares of lush Bandung hillside, the museum showcase’s Nuarta’s bold metalwork, alongside rotating exhibitions from contemporary Indonesian artists. Best known for his colossal works, scale-models of his statues are found on-site, including of GWK and Legenda Borobudur. The displays at the park allow guests to examine the intricate details up close, like impressive textures of the steel wire “coat” of La Madame (1993).
110 works by Nyoman Nuarta, are found scattered throughout the park, placed in the open areas, lobbies, museums and gardens. Half of the works are found inside the Museum & Gallery area, spread across two floors. Other parts of the park and visitor experience include Galeri Teras, Craft Boutique, Amphitheatre, Sculpture Park, LAXMI Resto, plus the Workshop where Nyoman Nuarta produces his artwork. NuArt is a creative sanctuary where art meets nature, making it a perfect starting point for an artistic exploration of the city.
NuArt Sculpture Park
Open Tuesday to Sunday: 8.30 am to 5 pm
Admissions: IDR 50.000 for adults
nuartsculpturepark.com | @nuartpark
WotBatu: A Journey Through Stone
A hidden gem in the heart of Bandung’s highlands, WotBatu is an immersive art experience designed by Sunaryo, one of Indonesia’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Unlike traditional museums, WotBatu is a sculptural installation—an interplay of stone, space, light, and philosophy, offering visitors a meditative journey through art.
Spread across 2,000 square metres, this site features massive and carefully arranged andesite stones, sourced from Java’s volcanic landscapes. Each piece holds spiritual meaning, reflecting Sunaryo’s contemplation on the relationship between nature, human existence, and time. Complementing the stoneworks, the museum also houses a gallery displaying his sketches, writings, and multi-media artworks that delve deeper into his artistic vision.
More than just an exhibition, WotBatu is an experience—one that invites visitors to slow down and absorb the energy of Bandung’s natural and creative spirit.
WotBatu: A Journey Through Stone
Open Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm.
Two booking sessions per day (10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm)
Admission: IDR 50,000 for adults
wotbatu.id
Selasar Sunaryo Art Space
A cornerstone of Bandung’s contemporary art scene, Selasar Sunaryo Art Space (SSAS) is a multidisciplinary hub founded by Sunaryo, the visionary behind WotBatu. Set amidst the cool, leafy hills of Dago, SSAS blends modern architecture with natural surroundings, creating an inspiring environment for artistic expression.
The main gallery hosts rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary Indonesian and international artists, spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and new media. The space also includes a sculpture garden, an art library, and an open-air amphitheatre for performances and discussions. One of SSAS’s signature events is its artist-in-residence program, which fosters collaboration and experimentation within Bandung’s creative community.
For those seeking a deeper connection to the city’s vibrant art scene, Selasar Sunaryo is a must-visit—offering not just visual art, but also dialogue, workshops, and the occasional art-film screening.
Selasar Sunaryo Art Space
Open Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
Admission: IDR 25,000
@selasarsunaryo
Museum Pos Indonesia: Historical Art Deco
More than just a postal museum, Museum Pos Indonesia is a portal into Indonesia’s communication history, housed in a grand 1920s Art Deco building—an architectural landmark of Bandung’s colonial past. Originally established in 1931, the museum’s collection showcases the evolution of Indonesia’s postal system, from ancient royal messages to the modern era of digital communication.
Inside, visitors will find an array of fascinating relics: vintage stamps, antique letterboxes, traditional mail carriers’ uniforms, and even old telegram machines. One highlight is the display of rare stamps, including limited-edition prints and collector’s items featuring Indonesian and world figures. The museum also offers a glimpse into the history of airmail, with old postal aircraft models adding to the nostalgia.
A stop at Museum Pos Indonesia is a chance to appreciate how letters and messages once travelled across the archipelago—a stark contrast to today’s instant messaging culture.
Museum Pos Indonesia
Open Monday to Friday: 9 am – 3 pm
Admission: Free (Reservations via WA)
+6281216403593 | @museumposindonesia
Museum Gedung Sate
The iconic Gedung Sate—Bandung’s most famous colonial landmark—now houses an interactive museum that brings West Java’s history to life. Built in 1920, the building itself is a masterpiece of Indo-European architecture, featuring classic Art Deco elements fused with traditional Javanese influences. Originally the seat of the Dutch East Indies’ Department of Public Works, it now serves as the West Java Governor’s Office, with a dedicated museum wing for visitors. For design-enthusiasts, Gedung Sate’s façade and architecture are likely to be its biggest draw,
Inside, the museum offers a high-tech experience, combining historical artefacts with multimedia exhibits. Interactive touchscreens allow visitors to explore Bandung’s transformation from a colonial outpost to a modern creative hub, while 3D projections bring to life the city’s Art Deco architecture and cultural evolution.
One of the highlights is the virtual reality (VR) tour that takes visitors through Gedung Sate’s early days, showcasing its original function and the architectural vision behind its design. The museum also delves into West Java’s cultural heritage, featuring exhibits on traditional Sundanese crafts, textiles, and historical figures.
Museum Gedung Sate
Open Tuesday to Sunday: 9.30 am to 4 pm
Admission: IDR 5,000
@museumgedungsate
