Ismail Marzuki Park is a popular cultural hub in the city centre. Enjoy nationally and internationally acclaimed performing arts at one of the attraction’s many theatres. View traditional and contemporary work from some of Indonesia’s most talented artists and journey through space in the excellent planetarium.
Named after local Batavian musician Taman Ismail Marzuki, the centre is known locally as TIM. It was built in 1968 on the site of the former zoo and public park and is the only complex of its type in the country. Ismail Marzuki Park has been designed with the aim of fostering creativity in the city.
Take in a show at the Graha Bhakti Budaya hall. This state-of-the-art, 800-seat theatre stages musical acts and performing arts from around the world. Look out for performances taking place in some of the smaller, more intimate venues. Elsewhere you will find the two Cipta Galleries which host ever-changing exhibitions of fine art and sculpture.
At any one time, you can enjoy an eclectic range of cultural pursuits here, anything from a local dance group or a poetry reading to a sculpture exhibition or international film festival. Occasionally, the outdoor plaza hosts concerts and other types of performances. To keep up to date with what is going on at the cultural centre during your time in Jakarta, visit its official website.
Don’t miss the planetarium show at the Star Theatre. A 60-minute spectacle will take you on a tour of the inner workings of the galaxy. You will also be offered the chance to gaze into space through the centre’s telescope.
Ismail Marzuki Park can be found in the heart of Jakarta and is easily accessible via several bus routes. The galleries generally open throughout the week although times often change. Before your visit, look at the schedule of events on the centre’s website. The planetarium is open every day except Mondays.
