Located on the southern route between the Museum of Indonesian Military History and the Museum of Insects and Butterfly Park, the Museum of Heirlooms spans an area of 1,535 square meters and captivates visitors with its roof designed in the shape of a traditional keris (ceremonial dagger). Construction began on September 1, 1992, and the museum was officially inaugurated by President Soeharto on April 20, 1993.
The museum’s collection originated from the private heirloom collection of Dra. Hj. Sri Lestari Mas Agung, which was donated to Hj. Siti Hartinah Soeharto, chairwoman of the Harapan Kita Foundation. The collection has since been expanded through various acquisitions, making it one of the most comprehensive traditional weapon collections in Indonesia, representing 26 provinces.
The museum was established with the purpose of preserving, maintaining, and collecting traditional weaponry, educating future generations about these cultural artifacts, and serving as a research center for weaponry. The museum houses exhibition hall, information room, management offices, discussion rooms, library, conservation and preservation room, marketplace, and souvenir shop—all designed to provide deep insight into the Indonesia’s heirloom weapon heritage.
Inside the exhibition area, visitors can explore traditional weapons from various eras and regions, types of wood used in heirloom crafting, and a besalen room (the traditional workspace of the empu, or master keris smith). Among the rare and legendary items in the museum’s collection are the Keris Nagasasra Sabuk Inten from the Mataram era, Kujang from the Padjajaran Kingdom, Keris Singa Barong Tinatah Mas, Karih from Sumatra, Belati from the Mataram Kingdom, Kudi from the Tuban Kingdom, a sword from the time of Hamengkubuwono IX, and the Keris Naga Tapa from Yogyakarta.
In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the Museum of Heirlooms also hosts rotating exhibitions, both independently and in collaboration with external institutions. It also offers activities such as penjamasan (ritual cleansing of heirlooms) and consultation services related to traditional weaponry.
