As Indonesia’s second largest city, Surabaya offers several unique museums that largely focus on the history of the city. This includes those dedicated to historical, economic, social and political events. With significantly less crowds than the museums found in Jakarta, visitors will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with the many artefacts and exhibits on display. Many museums in the city offer guided tours and are very accommodating to international visitors.
Sampoerna Museum
Also referred to as the House of Sampoerna, this museum is focused on the history of tobacco as it relates to both Surabaya and Indonesia at large. The museum is housed in a building of Dutch colonial style that was previously used as an orphanage. The museum was founded in 2003 and includes a gift shop. The entire museum is dedicated to the Sampoerna family and their production of tobacco. This includes exhibits around the manufacturing process as well as collection of various artefacts including ancient matches. The second floor includes several galleries as well as a shop that sells Surabaya souvenirs. There are also on-site activities around the production of cigarettes by Sampoerna – note that photos of these special workshops are not allowed.
Address: Taman Sampoerna No.6, Krembangan Utara, Kec. Pabean Cantikan, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur 60163, Indonesia
Phone: +62 31 3539000
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website
Museum Surabaya
Museum Surabaya is a small museum dedicated to the history of the city. Permanent exhibitions showcase several categories, including a history of Surabaya’s various city leaders. Infrastructural chronicles looking at the evolution of transportation and administration also feature. The museum also houses various photographs that reveal the city’s history from its colonial era to modern day. A separate area houses ongoing exhibitions that include but are not limited to: local art, photography, and one-offs, such as the unique exhibit by local children that tells their story of Surabaya.
Address: Tunjungan St No. 3, Genteng, Surabaya City, East Java 60275, Indonesia
Phone: +62 31 1234567
Operating Hours:
– Monday – Saturday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
– Sunday: Closed
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website
Museum 10 November
Officially known as “Sepuluh Nopember,” the Museum 10 November is one of the most famous locations in Surabaya. It is dedicated to the date of 10 November 1945 in which the Battle for Surabaya reached its peak point of conflict. The date is incredibly important for those in Surabaya, as well as all Indonesians. The museum includes two floors with a range of exhibits that focus on both political and military artefacts and memorabilia. Many of the weapons used in the war as well as several reliefs have been dedicated to the soldiers who fought. Uniforms are also on display, as are various recreations of artillery used on the battlefield.
Address: Pahlawan St, Alun-alun Contong, Bubutan, Surabaya City, East Java 60174, Indonesia
Phone: +62 31 3571100
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am –4:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website
