Catherine Hostiani · 1 min read

Srihadi Soedarsono Museum

This nine-month-old museum in Bandung was intended as a learning space by Srihadi Soedarsono, an important figure in Indonesian fine arts best known for his Borobudur Temple and Dancers series. Even in his late 80s, he envisioned it as a platform to mentor emerging artists.

Sadly, he passed away in 2022, just as construction was about to begin. The vision pivoted into a museum that now houses a remarkable collection tracing his creative journey, including previously unseen works.

To safeguard the collection, Srihadi stipulated in his will that none of his works could be sold. While museum ownership remains with the family, he deliberately entrusted management to an independent expert.

This smartly addresses a common challenge of private museums, where passion and stewardship often fade across generations. By separating ownership from professional management and legally protecting the collection, Srihadi created a model that ensured his artistic legacy remains intact and accessible for generations to come.