Noon at the Geology Museum Bandung
Bunda had some business to attend to on Dipati Ukur Street that morning. She thought it would take a long time, but she was mistaken. She finished it surprisingly early, around 10 a.m. Since she had no plans to travel elsewhere in Bandung, she decided to explore the nearby attractions like Gasibu, Gedung Sate, and the Geology Museum.
Therefore, she made her way towards Diponegoro Street to visit Museum Geologi Bandung.
Brief History of the Geology Museum
The Geology Museum in Bandung holds a rich history. It was established on May 16th, 1928, and houses a vast collection of geology materials dating back to 1850. The building itself was originally known as the Geologisch Museum and was designed in the Art Deco style by the engineer Menalda van Schouwenburg. The construction of the museum involved the efforts of 300 workers and cost 400 Gulden.
According to Bunda's reading, the construction began in the middle of 1928 and the museum was officially inaugurated on May 16th, 1929. This coincided with the Fourth Pacific Science Congress, which took place in Bandung, West Java Province, from May 18th to 24th, 1929.
In 1999, the Geology Museum received a generous contribution of 754.5 million yen from Japan for renovation purposes.
Subsequently, the museum temporarily closed its doors and underwent extensive renovations. It was eventually reopened on August 20th, 2000. This momentous occasion was graced by the presence of the Indonesian Vice President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, accompanied by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
What’s in Geology Museum
Bunda kindly signed her name in the museum's guest book before she entered the Indonesia Geology Room, also known as Ruang Sayap Barat.
The Geology Room comprises several smaller rooms that provide valuable insights into the formation of our planet and the geology of Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara, and Papua.
It showcases a wide range of exhibits, including stones, fossils from human history curated by Charles Darwin, minerals found in Indonesia, and the tools used for research purposes.
Towards the end of the Geology Room, there is a dedicated space that offers captivating information and displays about volcanoes, such as Mount Tangkuban Perahu, Mount Krakatau, Mount Galunggung, Mount Merapi, and Batu.
On the other hand, the eastern room, known as Ruang Sayap Timur, provides visitors with intriguing insights into various fossils. Oh, how thrilling it was to spot a T-Rex there! It stood tall, just like the ones depicted in movies. The Tyrannosaurus Rex Osborn was known to reach a length of 19 meters, stand 6.5 meters tall, and weigh a staggering 8 tons.
Moreover, this room also showcases fossils of rhinos, hippos, oxen, and elephants. It presents a comprehensive history of these creatures, spanning from the primitive era to the modern era.
The museum has also collected fossils of prehistoric humans, specifically Homo erectus, along with the artifacts they used. Near the entrance of this room, you can explore the history of Bandung Lake and observe the fossilized remains of snakes and fish that were discovered in the former Bandung Lake area.
Farewell to the Geology Museum Bandung
After a delightful time exploring, Bunda made her way out of the museum. As she was leaving, she noticed a charming little shop nearby that offered a variety of souvenirs. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase accessories made from stones or other keepsakes that serve as a memento of their visit to the museum.
Are you interested in visiting this museum? That's wonderful! Museums in Indonesia often receive fewer visitors than they deserve. By paying them a visit, you can contribute to their vitality. Make sure to plan a visit sometime soon.
- Address: Jalan Diponegoro 57, Cihaur Geulis, Cibeunying Kaler District, Bandung City, West Java 40122
- Phone: +62 22 7213822
- First Opened: May 16th, 1929
- Entrance Fees: General 3,000 IDR, student 2,000 IDR, foreigner 10,000 IDR
- Operating Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 9.00-15.00, Saturday to Monday at 9.00-14.00, closed on Friday and National Holidays