UGM owns and maintains two museums that are vital in preserving UGM’s heritage and promoting education, making them significant attractions for those interested in the university’s legacy and Indonesia’s natural history.
On the main campus is the Museum UGM, which was recently nominated as an intelligent museum (Museum Cerdas) for the Indonesia Museum Award 2023, organised by Komunitas Jelajah. This category was given to Museum UGM as a recognition of its technology implementation, which created a dramatic sensation for visitors and provided good service to the museum staff. The museum is free access and open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.
The museum houses items such as the original UGM emblem, designed by R. Katamsi in 1950 and officially adopted in 1953. This emblem symbolises the university’s foundational values and vision. Exhibits include the personal belongings of notable individuals like Prof. Dr. Sardjito, UGM’s first rector. His office setup, featuring a vintage typewriter, desk, and radio, is displayed alongside his insightful quotes, offering a glimpse into his leadership and philosophy.
Permanent exhibitions are classified into six different eras, which are:
In the Midst of Struggle (1946-1949): This gallery delves into UGM’s establishment during Indonesia’s fight for independence, highlighting the university’s foundational role in the nation’s early years.
Laying the Educational Foundation (1949-1960): Focusing on UGM’s formative years, this section showcases efforts to build a robust educational framework and the university’s initial achievements.
Building the Nation’s Civilization (1961-1982): This exhibit illustrates UGM’s expansion and its significant impact on Indonesia’s cultural and intellectual development during this period.
Becoming a World-Class University (1982-2002): Highlighting UGM’s strides towards global recognition, this gallery presents milestones that elevated the university’s international standing.
Upholding the Nation’s Dignity (2002-2017): This section reflects UGM’s ongoing commitment to national pride and its role in addressing contemporary challenges.
Life in Bulaksumur: Offering a glimpse into campus life, this exhibit portrays the daily experiences and traditions within the UGM community.
In addition to these permanent exhibits, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions that focus on specific themes or notable figures. For instance, in 2023, the museum featured “Karsa Karya Koesnadi Hardjasoemantri,” celebrating the contributions of a distinguished UGM alumnus.
Museum Biology UGM is managed by UGM’s Faculty of Biology (Museum Biology UGM). The museum originated from the merger of the Zoological Museum and the Herbarium Museum. It opened to the public on January 1, 1970, and features dioramas and exhibits of various classified animals and plant specimens, serving as a scientific resource for Yogyakarta and its surroundings. It serves as an educational resource for students, researchers, and the public, offering insights into Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. The museum provides public services, including educational tours, workshops, and seminars aimed at promoting biological sciences. One of the most captivating exhibits is the extensive collection of taxidermy specimens, which offers a unique opportunity to study and appreciate the country’s wildlife.
Museum Kayu Wanagama located in the Wanagama Forest UGM, houses a diverse collection of wood specimens and fossils. The Cultural Service of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) Province has listed Museum Kayu Wanagama as one of the museums in this region (Jogjaprov – Museum Kayu Wanagama). It is managed by the Faculty of Forestry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The building itself is notable; it was constructed from two traditional wooden houses dating back to 1880, donated by Perum Perhutani, and reassembled into a single elevated structure. The museum was inaugurated on August 8, 1998, by the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, and the Indonesian Minister of Forestry, Ir. Muslimin Nasution.
A function-like museum that is similar to a living museum, like the one in Wanagama Forest, is the Orchid Garden at PIAT UGM. It showcases a wide variety of orchid species. The garden serves as an educational and research facility, hosting events such as the Orchid Festival, which displays hundreds of orchid plants from both PIAT’s collection and contributions from local orchid enthusiast communities.
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