Bayt Al-Qur’an & the Istiqlal Museum (BQMI) form an integrated entity intricately linked to each other. Bayt Al-Quran portrays the Quran as the sacred book and guiding source for humanity, while the Istiqlal Museum illustrates the embodiment of Quranic values in the life and culture of the Muslim community in the archipelago.
Inaugurated by President Soeharto on April 20, 1997, both museums aim to enhance the love and understanding for, and the practice of the Quran within society. BQMI seeks to showcase the meaning and image of Islamic teachings and the dynamic, tolerant culture of Indonesia, enriching the cultural heritage of Islam in the world.
Bayt Al-Quran houses and displays various treasures of the Quran, ranging from manuscript copies (handwritten texts), printed Quran manuscripts, Braille Quran manuscripts, sign language Quran, diverse translations of the Quran in local and foreign languages, various manuscript commentaries on the Quran, and other cultural Quranic treasures. This includes various beautiful manuscripts (such as the Istiqlal Manuscript, Sundawi Manuscript, Jakarta Manuscript, etc.), “independence diplomacy symbol” manuscripts (Pusaka Manuscript), giant manuscripts (Wonosobo Manuscript), and miniature manuscripts (Istanbul Manuscript). Visitors of BQMI can now also enjoy interactive digital Istiqlal Manuscript, which pages can be flipped through with a wave of a hand.
The Istiqlal Museum collection primarily comes from objects gathered during the Istiqlal Festival I (1991) and Istiqlal Festival II (1995). The Istiqlal Museum stores various religious manuscripts (fiqh manuscripts, translations, commentaries, religious narratives, etc.), replica tombstones from several archaeological sites, documentation of ancient mosques, calligraphy treasures, textile collections, artworks, and more.
With a spacious four-story building, BQMI also features facilities such as a mosque, main hall, cinema, kids corner, auditorium, meeting rooms, and classrooms. Beyond being a visitor’s destination, BQMI is suitable for hosting seminars, temporary exhibitions, competitions, academic forums, and community activities while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia.
