Surabaya Museum Siola Building
Discover Surabaya's past, present, and future in this modern, aesthetic museum located in the historic Siola Building.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, less crowded
Surabaya Museum Siola Building
Best Time
Quieter, less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Surabaya's past, present, and future in this modern, aesthetic museum located in the historic Siola Building.
"A really good source of knowledge to know about Surabaya. It feels like going back in time."
🎯 Register Online First
Entry is free but requires online registration. Book via tiketwisata.surabaya.go.id to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Enjoy a walk from Siola towards Balai Pemuda and Delta for a taste of Surabaya's evening ambiance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Surabaya's Historical Journey
Explore exhibits from pre-colonial times to the future, offering a comprehensive look at the city's evolution.
Modern & Aesthetic Displays
Experience history presented in a fresh, aesthetic, and engaging way with tech and art.
Bilingual Explanations
Learn about Surabaya's rich history with detailed explanations available in both Bahasa Indonesia and English.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online
Dress Appropriately
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Register Online First
Entry is free but requires online registration. Book via tiketwisata.surabaya.go.id to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Enjoy a walk from Siola towards Balai Pemuda and Delta for a taste of Surabaya's evening ambiance.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The museum's new look offers many Instagrammable spots. Capture the modern aesthetic!
🎒 Bag Policy
Lockers are not readily available. Consider a lighter backpack for easier exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Register Online First
Entry is free but requires online registration. Book via tiketwisata.surabaya.go.id to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Enjoy a walk from Siola towards Balai Pemuda and Delta for a taste of Surabaya's evening ambiance.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The museum's new look offers many Instagrammable spots. Capture the modern aesthetic!
🎒 Bag Policy
Lockers are not readily available. Consider a lighter backpack for easier exploration.
🗣️ Staff Assistance
Friendly staff are available to help you find the entrance and answer questions, even in English.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Surabaya Museum Siola for its informative content and engaging presentation of the city's history, especially its modern aesthetic. While entry is free and staff are helpful, some suggest improvements in air conditioning and display variety for an even better experience.
"The museum showcases the history of Surabaya City from the pre-colonial, colonial, and the future. The exhibition is informative but quite compacted. The air-conditioning could be better especially since Surabaya is a hot city.
Entry is free but you have to register (via QR form). The staff is able to assist if you need help and they are able to converse in English."
Muhammad Zulfadly Bin Abdul Manap
"A really good source of knowledge to know about Surabaya. It feels like going back in time and rewatch the history of Surabaya. The museum is clean and neat. Recommend to visit!"
Galuh Puruhita
"The museum is very informative and well structured. Everything is explained in English as well. The entrance is hard to find: the museum is in an official office building (dress appropriately), but the workers there will help you find it and there are signs as well. If you love history, and want to learn more not only about Surabaya but also the colonisation and modern history of Indonesia, 100% recommendation."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on Jalan Tunjungan, within the Siola Building. It's easily accessible by public transport or ride-sharing services. Many visitors enjoy walking from Siola towards Balai Pemuda and Delta in the evening.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but the Siola Building is in a central area. It's advisable to check for nearby public parking facilities or consider using ride-sharing apps.
The museum is centrally located on Jalan Tunjungan, making it a convenient destination. Walking is a great option if you're in the vicinity, allowing you to soak in the city's atmosphere.
Yes, the museum is in a well-connected area. You can check local bus routes or use ride-hailing apps for convenient access.
The museum is inside an official office building, so the entrance might not be immediately obvious. Look for signs, and the staff will gladly assist you in finding it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Surabaya Museum Siola is free! However, you need to register online beforehand via tiketwisata.surabaya.go.id.
Yes, online registration is mandatory. It's recommended to book your slot in advance, especially for weekend visits, to ensure entry.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or their social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
No, you cannot buy tickets on the spot. Pre-registration through the official website is required.
As the museum is located within a government building, visitors are advised to dress appropriately and modestly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits detailing Surabaya's history from the pre-colonial era, through the colonial period, Japanese occupation, and into its future. It's a comprehensive look at the city's development.
The museum offers an educational experience that can be engaging for older children interested in history. The interactive elements and visual displays can capture their attention.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the museum, and there don't seem to be many restrictions. It's a great place to capture the aesthetic displays.
Most visitors find that less than an hour is sufficient to explore the entire museum, making it a perfect short visit or addition to a day of sightseeing.
The museum is air-conditioned, which is a welcome relief in Surabaya's hot climate, though some visitors have noted it could be cooler.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The museum has been updated with a fresh and aesthetic look, offering many Instagrammable spots. The modern displays are perfect for capturing great photos.
Given the blend of historical artifacts and modern tech-art presentations, a mix of documentary and aesthetic photography works well. Focus on the details of exhibits and the overall ambiance.
Generally, photography is permitted. However, it's always a good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in areas where it might be disruptive.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the museum staff upon arrival if you plan to use a tripod, especially during busy periods.
The newly renovated sections with modern art and tech integrations are particularly photogenic. Look for areas with unique lighting and creative displays.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1It's a good idea to prepare children for the museum visit by briefly explaining what they will see. The free entry and the relatively short exploration time (under an hour) make it a manageable activity for families. Remember to register online in advance to ensure smooth entry.
🏛️ History Buffs & Learners
The museum's well-documented exhibits, including historical pictures and social views, offer a deep dive into the region's past. It's an excellent place to learn about Indonesian history, particularly the colonial and modern periods, offering a unique perspective on the nation's development.
📸 Instagrammers & Content Creators
+1Capture the blend of history and art, from the detailed historical displays to the contemporary tech-art presentations. The free entry and the relatively short visit duration make it an easy addition to a day of exploring Surabaya's photogenic spots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Surabaya's Past and Future
The museum's presentation is a blend of traditional artifacts, historical photographs, maps, and engaging multimedia elements like videos and animations. While the content is highly informative, some visitors suggest that the narrative style could be more varied and storytelling-oriented to enhance engagement.
Despite minor suggestions for improvement in presentation, the museum is lauded for its solid content and good intentions. It serves as an excellent resource for anyone interested in Indonesian history, particularly the colonial and modern periods, making it a highly recommended visit for history buffs.
Navigating the Museum Experience
Upon arrival, remember that the museum is housed within an official government building, so dressing appropriately is advised. The staff are known to be helpful and can assist visitors in locating the entrance and navigating the exhibits, even conversing in English.
While the museum is not overly large and can be explored in under an hour, visitors might want to consider carrying a lighter backpack as lockers are not readily available. The air-conditioned environment offers a comfortable respite from Surabaya's heat, though some feel the cooling could be more robust.
The Aesthetic Appeal and Photography
+1The museum's design incorporates art and technology, creating an engaging environment. This blend of historical context with contemporary presentation makes it a unique spot for photography. Visitors are generally allowed to take photos, making it an excellent opportunity to document the exhibits and the museum's modern interior.
While photography is encouraged, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive flash photography. The museum's central location and its updated, visually pleasing atmosphere make it a recommended stop for both history enthusiasts and those looking for aesthetically pleasing backdrops.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit