East Java Tourism News

House of Sampoerna : A Dash of History and A Splash of Beauty

September 1st, 2006

Situated in “old Surabaya”‚ this stately Dutch colonial-style
compound was built in 1862 and is now a preserved historical site. Previously used as an orphanage managed by the Dutch‚ it was purchased in 1932 by Liem Seeng Tee‚ the founder of Sampoerna‚ with the intent of it being used as Sampoerna’s first major cigarette production facility. The compound consisted of a large central auditorium‚ two smaller buildings on the east and west sides and numerous large‚ single story‚ open-space structures behind the central auditorium.

The side buildings were converted to family residences and the large warehouse-like structures were used to accommodate facilities for tobacco and clove processing‚ blending‚ hand-rolling and packaging‚ printing and finishedgoods processing.

Today‚ the compound is still functioning as a production plant
for Indonesia’s most prestigious cigarette‚ Dji Sam Soe. In
commemoration of Sampoerna’s 90th anniversary in 2003‚
the central complex has been painstakingly restored and is
now open to public.

The original central auditorium is now a museum and the east
side has been transformed into a unique structure containing
a café, a merchandise kiosk and an art gallery. The building
on the west side remains the official family residence.

The Museum
The Museum offers a truly unique experience for visitors.
From the story of the founding family to closely watching
a real hand-roll production facility and ending up with an
unforgettable experience of rolling a stick of Dji Sam Soe
cigarette yourself. Yes‚ you can join the 3‚200 women in this plant‚ hand-rolling cigarettes using traditional equipment.
They do it at a speed of more than 325 sticks per hour.

The Museum Shop offers a wide selection of gifts and
souvenirs. These include items such as miniature of
traditional cigarette rolling equipment‚ packets of
cloves‚ books‚ t-shirts and polos.

The Art Gallery
The Art Gallery presents a rotating series of exhibits
representing the works of the finest artists in Indonesia
as well as providing the opportunity for the display of
works by up-and-coming talents. It will present both
works “on loan” as well as those that are for sale.

The Kiosk
The Kiosk stands ready to supply you with a wide selection
of merchandise including mugs‚ t-shirts‚ jackets‚ ashtrays‚
caps‚ bags and much more. These items are not only well
suited for your personal use but also make great gifts.

With a touch of art deco‚ a splash of wild creativity and
a dash of history‚ the Café offers a unique sensory and
culinary experience. Blending original painted and leaded
glass windows and century old carved teak panels with
clean modern design‚ the Café is indeed an experience
that you should not miss. A wide selection of Western
and Asian flavors are especially prepared to satisfy even
the most discerning of visitors. On selected evenings‚ live
music performances will accompany your dining experience.

Opening Hours
House of Sampoerna is open to general public all year long, except for the first day of the Idul Fitri Holiday. No admission fees and no prior arrangement is needed. We, however, encourage group visitors of 25 people or more to notify us beforehand, so that proper arrangements can be made.

Museum & Kiosk
Open daily 09:00-22:00

Café & Art Gallery
Open daily 09:00-22:00,
Friday & Saturday until midnight

The Museum’s top attraction, the making of Dji Sam Soe, Indonesia’s most prestigious
hand-rolled kretek cigarette, is available only on working days (normally Monday thru Saturday, until about 3 p.m.). Please contact us to check the availabilities of this special show on specific times, as the workers might sometimes have different working hours and also a long break during the Idul Fitri Holiday.

House of Sampoerna is located at the old, northern part of Surabaya. It is very close to the city center and is only several blocks away from the old China Town. Taxi is fairly inexpensive and is the most convenient way for tourists to go around Surabaya.

Ample parking space is available in the premise, at no cost. In rare cases in which the parking lot is full, visitors can park their cars safely on the roadside (one time parking fees may apply).

Special Arrangements for Group Visitors

Group visitors of 25 people or more are encouraged to notify us beforehand, so that proper arrangements can be made. One week prior notification would be ideal, even though we can always honor last minute requests.

Due to the nature of some of the museum exhibits, which might not be suitable for persons under the age of 18, House of Sampoerna can not grant the request for visit coming from groups of kindergarten, elementary and high school students as well as other groups that might include children or any persons under the age of 18. Children and persons under the age of 18 can only enter the Museum when supervised by their parents or consenting adults (but not their teachers or group leaders).

Groups of university students on company visits may apply for an audience with the Sampoerna’s management. Sampoerna grants only limited number of audiences in a month. Advance application, therefore, is recommended. Special application form should be submitted for this purpose

Picture taking and/or video recording for personal purposes, as a memento for one’s visit to House of Sampoerna, is allowed at most parts of House of Sampoerna. We, however, reserve the right to stop any persons from taking picture or conducting
other forms of recording, without having to give further explanation.

Picture taking and/or other forms of recording for special purposes, such as engagements, weddings and other events, of which are not merely as a memento for one’s visit to House of Sampoerna, may be conducted only upon approval from House of Sampoerna management.

Entry Filed under: East Java News