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Seven tips on how to enjoy Museum Macan
As Yayoi Kusama’s first major exhibition in Indonesia is on its way, future visitors should be prepared in order to ensure a good experience.
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A glimpse of Museum Macan interior during the exhibition 'Art Turns. World Turns.' (JP/Muthi)
T
he Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (Museum Macan) has completed its inaugural exhibition Art Turns. World Turns. Exploring the Collection of Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara.
The final day of the exhibition on March 18, saw visitors of all ages and different backgrounds. Museum Macan’s commitment to making art widely accessible to the public has been achieved up to a point, although many visitors seemed to be more interested in taking selfies with the artworks.
Museum Macan will open again from May 12 to Sept. 9, to host the exhibition Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow. As this will be Kusama’s first major exhibition in Indonesia, future visitors might anticipate a few things to ensure a good experience.
Buy tickets in advance
Tickets to exhibitions can be purchased at the museum’s website from early April. There will also be a pop-up booth at the museum selling tickets.
Arrive early
Visiting times are limited to two hours per visitor. There are 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 12 p.m. – 2 p.m., 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. sessions. Arrive about 15-30 minutes before your session, so that you can store your bigger bags in the cloakroom and have a coffee before enjoying the exhibition.
There is a Starbucks outlet below the museum floor, and a 1/15 coffee pop-up café near the entrance to exhibition hall.
Be ready and comfortable
Wear sneakers or flat shoes that will let you wander freely or stand for long periods without tired feet in the exhibition hall. Although there are benches to sit on and rest inside the hall, it is better to be safe in comfortable shoes.
If you really have to bring a large bag, the museum keeper will ask you to deposit the bag in the cloakroom. Prepare a small sling bag that will fit your wallet, camera and cell phone to take into the hall.
Watch the video installation
The inaugural exhibition Art Turns. World Turns came with a video installation near the entrance to the hall. It featured stories and explanations about the highlighted artworks, and it was really helpful to understand the pieces. You didn’t need to find a guide to explain it to you near the artwork.
If you find this kind of video installation at the future exhibition, take the time to sit and watch.
Don’t be in a rush
Make the most out of your two-hour visit to the exhibition hall. You might find a lot of people taking pictures of the artworks, so you need to be patient and wait for your turn. If you are on your own, bear in mind that you cannot ask museum staff to take a photo of you.
Wishing to enter Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrored Room - Brilliance of the Souls?” Be prepared for a long queue.
Prepare to join kids’ activities
The museum has dedicated an area as a children’s art space. The inaugural project is Floating Garden by leading Indonesian artist Entang Wiharso, comprising a site-specific mural and an interactive artwork. Children are allowed to create drawings by tracing images engraved by Entang on metal plates.
When there are not too many children in the art space, adults are invited to give it a try too.
Read also: Museum MACAN to host Yayoi Kusama exhibition in May
Get updates from social media
Macan is often “mysterious” with a bag of surprises. Keep checking on the website and social media channels for ticket sales opening, giveaways or exclusive events.
