The Gedung Kesenian Jakarta in Jakarta

The Gedung Kesenian Jakarta in Jakarta

The Gedung Kesenian Jakarta in Jakarta stands in all its majesty and glory right at the heart of the capital city. This impressive Jakarta Art Building is an example of aesthetic and structural beauty. Skillfully renovated in 1987, the present art venue with its specific Empire style brings back memories of the 19th c patterns which were in vogue in Batavia (the old name of Jakarta) at that time.

History of The Gedung Kesenian Jakarta in Jakarta

The creation of this art venue dates back to the British colonial period. Sir Thomas Raffles who was renowned of his passion in the study and preservation of local culture, took the initiation for its establishment. A simple bamboo theater was built in Weltevreden and was named 'Military Theater Venue'.

In 1821, supported by the Dutch colonial government, this bamboo theater was replaced by a permanent art building with a size of 144 by 60 feet. It was called Schouwburg Weltevreden. After change of several names, Gedung Kesenian Jakarta became the standard official name since 1987. Back at that time, the lighting inside the building was done by using candles and kerosene lamps. Gas light came in 1864. The electricity was first used in 1882 inside the building, but a gas light was still there outside the building and it was still functioning up to 1910.

Features of The Gedung Kesenian Jakarta in Jakarta

  -  The Gedung Kesenian Jakarta is a platform that gives opportunity of participation to any form of arts like dance, music and theaters.
  -  Various performances of art – local, international, traditional, modern are staged here, professionally managed by a solid team of various experts.
  -  The Gedung Kesenian Jakarta believes in the dulce et utile way of art acknowledging the aesthetical as well as the show biz value of art.
  -  The interior of the art venue is designed in such a way to meet high requirements, artistically as well as technically to stage refined qualities of various arts.
  -  The main building consists of an enormous front antique style open hall, the auditorium with 370 seats, stage, foyers, lobby and 'loge' which is basically an empty place in the right and left side of the spectators, where, in case of necessity, five seats could be installed.
  -  There is a beautiful balcony on the upper floor with 75 seats.
  -  On the same floor, there are sound system control room, lighting and projector-documentation room.
  -  The rear stage has make up and waiting rooms for artists and a decoration room. The right wing of the building contains a special passage for disabled using wheel chairs.
  -  The Management Board occupies a small office at a small building on the right wing of the main building.
  -  Show programs usually start after the evening.
  -  The strict disciplinary requirements are part of the attempt to preserve the high value of the art performance to ensure a positive appreciation of the spectators themselves.
  -  Both the artists and the audience who are true connoisseurs of art are all praises for the way The Gedung Kesenian Jakarta is preserving its beauty and historical properties.

How to Reach The Gedung Kesenian Jakarta in Jakarta

The Gedung Kesenian Jakarta is located at Jalan Street in the famous sub-district of Pasar Baru, down town of Jakarta. It lies next to the old antique building of the Post-Office.

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