JP/Jerry Adiguna

Officially opened on Nov. 10, 1968, Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) cultural center saw its heyday in the 1970s when the capital city was led by governor Ali Sadikin. Veteran artists most likely remember the days when the place was a silent witness to the birth of big ideas and heated discussions on the arts and culture.

Despite all the changes that have occurred over time, Jakartans can still enjoy a number of activities at TIM and even become a part of the place. Here are five things to do on a visit to TIM:

Join a dance course

Anyone interested in taking a traditional dance class can do so at TIM as it offers a number of dance courses.

Saraswati Balinese Arts Institute, for example, provides Balinese dance classes in the front yard of the XXI Cineplex and Graha Bhakti Budaya. The institute holds classes every Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and every Monday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Watch a film OR art performance

JP/Wendra Ajistyatama

Nestled in Cikini, Central Jakarta, the XXI Cineplex at TIM is popular among students and office workers in the area.

TIM also has a noncommercial cinema called Kineforum, which is located at the back of the main building. Having a capacity of 45 seats, the cinema is a regular screening place for Indonesian, international classical and modern movies as well as the work of new filmmakers.

If you are into live art performances, check out the schedules at Graha Bhakti Budaya, Teater Kecil and the new Teater Jakarta. Information for upcoming performances is available at tamanismailmarzuki.co.id.

VISIT HB Jassin Literary Archiving Center

Unlike the imposing surrounding buildings, HB Jassin Literary Archiving Center is located on the second floor of an old building on the right side of TIM.

Inside the old building with blue stairs, HB Jassin has a collection of 50,000 literary works, including hand-written scripts of famous Indonesia author Sutan Takdir Alisyahbana.

HB Jassin center executive chairwoman Ariany Isnamurti said the center received about 15 guests every day. '€œMost of them are college students who want to find references for their research,'€ she said.

She added that the literary works could only be read inside the building and could not be borrowed. The center is open to the public on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy an art exhibition

Art buffs can visit Galeri Cipta II and III to enjoy various art exhibitions, such as painting and sculpture shows.

Over the years these galleries have exhibited the work of both young and contemporary artists from various cities across the country. The galleries are also available for hosting various events such as book launches.

Galeri Cipta I consists of one floor that can accommodate 100 paintings, while Galeri Cipta III consists of two-story exhibition rooms that can display 50 paintings.

Visit the Planetarium

JP/DON

The planetarium is a popular destination that treats visitors to a visual display of stars and the planet with affordable entry tickets.

The planetarium also attract adults and children as they can immerse themselves in the history and culture of the planet. Ryan Hidayat, a visitor from Depok, West Java, took his 10-year-old twin sons to a show during the school holiday so they could spend time in a constructive manner.

'€œI think they'€™re happy to be here, while I'€™m happy as long as I can keep them away from computer games,'€ he said. '€” JP