The House of Masks and Puppets: Education and Entertainment

The House of Masks and Puppets is a place where various kinds of masks and puppets from different regions in Indonesia and around the world have been collected, stored, and displayed for public since 2006. The collection includes more than 1,300 masks and 5,700 puppets. These masks and puppets were collected as a reference can be used for various purposes.

Located just a few miles from the heart of Ubud, the House of Masks and Puppets covers more than 1 hectare of land surrounded by traditional Balinese village and rice fields. The intent and purpose House of Masks & Puppets for preservation – education and entertainment.  “To inspire people to learn about the culture of the past for the benefits of the present and future life,” said Setiadarma, the founder.

At House of Masks & Puppets have a facilities: conference hall, tropical garden, exhibition rooms, performance buildings, Balinese house, wedding venue, theater, discussion room, coffee shop and appreciation as well as an amphitheater with a capacity of 500 people.  Opening hours daily 08.00 am – 16.00 pm.

The House of Masks and Puppets was initiated by Mr. Hadi Sunyoto, a businessman and cultural enthusiast, who has been collecting masks and puppets from different regions in Indonesia for the past seven years. Concerned with the lack of appreciation and awareness towards the disappearing traditional art form of masks and puppets in Indonesia, he decided to create a space to collect, preserve and spread the knowledge of the art form of masks and puppets. As a result, the House of Masks and Puppets was built in 2006.

The use of the word house for the space is used to signify the space as a place for activities, just like a house is. Although it has been a private cultural space, access to the space and its collection has been made available to the public. Since its opening, therefore, several exhibitions and activities have been held on a regular basis.

Collection

The collection of the House of Masks and Puppets currently consists of approximately 7000 items, of which 1300 are masks from Indonesia, Africa, and Japan; whilst the other 5700 are puppets from Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Although the House of Masks and Puppets has several objects from other countries, the collection mostly consists of items from various regions in Indonesia. The acquisition of various masks and puppets from other countries is intended for additional learning, appreciation, and understanding of other cultures.

The House of Masks and Puppets is still actively collecting by purchasing or receiving donations from various sources, including from passionate visitors, collectors, and foreign artists who live in Indonesia.

Obama & Setia Darma

The collections of the House of Masks and Puppets are housed in four different traditional Javanese antique houses or commonly known as Joglo. These unique Joglos are mostly originated from East and Middle Java. They are made out of good quality teak wood, and have been put up to help keep their preservation.

The House of Masks and Puppets is located within more than ten thousand square meters area. It consists of four exhibition spaces, an open field, a tropical Balinese garden and a performance stage. The area is available for hire and is suitable for different purposes, including performances, trainings, family/school/group outings, and filming.

The House of Mask and Puppets

Jl. Tegal Bingin Banjar Tengkulak Tengah

Kemenuh Village, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali

Phone: +62 361 8987493, Fax: +62 361 977404

Email: setiadarmabali@yahoo.co.id