Affandi Museum: The Painter’s Home Gallery – Where Expressionism Lives in Sleman

Affandi Museum – The Master’s Home Turned Cultural Sanctuary

Nestled on the west bank of the Gajah Wong River along Jalan Laksda Adisucipto No. 167 in Sleman Regency, the Affandi Museum is the former home and studio of the renowned Indonesian expressionist painter Affandi Koesoema. Designed by Affandi himself and opened as a museum on December 15, 1973, it continues to embody his artistic vision and humility AffandiWikipedia.

Museum Layout & Architecture

• The complex includes Affandi’s personal stilt house, three uniquely designed galleries (with roofs shaped like banana leaves), a painting studio, restoration space, and storage areas Jogja Tourist InformationAffandi.

• The banana-leaf shaped canopy was inspired by a childhood memory—using banana leaves for relief during a chickenpox outbreak—and symbolizes Center Java’s vernacular architecture Affandi+1.

Gallery Highlights

• Gallery I (314.6 m², opened 1974) — A retrospective showcasing Affandi’s early to late works, including sketches, sketches in watercolor, pastel, oil paintings, clay statues, and reproductions. Notable exhibits include family portraits and his beloved 1976 Mitsubishi Gallant car, shaped like a fish AffandiGetaway Tours Indonesia.

• Gallery II (315.5 m², opened 1988) — Hosts works of Affandi and those by his artist friends—such as Sudjojono, Hendra Gunawan, and Mochtar Apin—many acquired as gestures of solidarity during economic hardship AffandiGetaway Tours Indonesia.

• Gallery III (built 1999) — Features works by Affandi’s family, including embroidery by his first wife Maryati, paintings by his daughters Kartika and Rukmini, plus restoration and storage zones Affandi+1.

Art & Atmosphere

• The museum holds approximately 250 of Affandi’s paintings—including iconic pieces like Self-Portrait (1938), The Painter and His Daughter (1950), and Embryo (1988)—as well as sketches, pottery, artifacts, and personal effects AffandiWikipediaUniverses.artMaioloo.

• Interspersed with paintings are everyday items such as his pipe, brushes, and a vividly painted modified Gallant car—an “industry of emotion and daily life” manifestation Universes.artGetaway Tours Indonesia.

Personal Legacy

• Affandi passed away on May 23, 1990, and his wish to rest among his art was honored: he is buried between Gallery I and II in the museum complex WikipediaGetaway Tours Indonesia.

• His studio, café (“Café Loteng”), and personal living quarters—left intact—offer an intimate glimpse into his daily rituals and creative process AffandiUniverses.art.

Exploring Tips & Quick Guide

• Best Season to Visit: May to October — enjoy driest, sunniest days for outdoor fun and great views.
• Getting Around: Rent a car or motorbike for flexibility. Local buses are available; gamelan rides or guided tours add cultural flavor.
• Local Cuisine: Treat yourself to regional favorites like gudeg, bakpia, yangko, sate kelinci, and pepes belut.

Suggested 3–Day Itinerary Sample