The museum commemorates the organization's founding by Hasyim Asy'ari in Surabaya in 1926.
It maintains a significant archive of documents related to the Resolution of Jihad, which mobilized resistance against colonial forces in 1945.
The display includes traditional communication devices and books used by early ulama (Islamic scholars) to disseminate information across the archipelago.
The museum architecture incorporates elements reflecting the traditional aesthetic of Indonesian Islamic educational institutions.
The Nahdlatul Ulama Museum preserves the history and intellectual legacy of the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia. The museum is located in Surabaya, a city considered the historical birthplace of the organization. The collection documents the contributions of Hasyim Asy'ari and other prominent figures to Indonesian independence. Exhibits trace the development of the organization's socioreligious mission and its influence on national politics. Visitors can view historical documents, traditional Islamic educational tools, and artifacts related to the organization's founding in 1926. The building serves as both a repository of institutional memory and a center for theological research. It is situated within the complex of the NU regional headquarters, reflecting the organization's institutional integration. The museum utilizes multimedia displays and preserved manuscripts to explain the evolution of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools).
The main entrance lobby featuring the prominent organization emblem and historical wall murals.
Engage with the museum guides, who often provide deep historical context regarding the local Surabaya context of the organization.
Check in advance if you require access to the library archives for specialized research, as this may require a separate inquiry.
Pair the visit with a walk around the surrounding Gayungsari area to see the local institutional infrastructure.
Do not treat the museum as a general public park; it is a functioning institutional space, so maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
Closed on national public holidays and typically follows local office patterns.
Dress modestly in clothing that covers shoulders and knees; remove footwear before entering specific prayer or sacred display zones.
