Erasmus Huis (Indonesia)

Together with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EGM has completed the new interior for the Dutch cultural centre in Jakarta. Erasmus Huis, located right beside the Dutch embassy, is a showcase for Dutch culture with a focus on dance and music performances and exhibitions.

Core values of cultural venue

Erasmus Huis owes its name to the Dutch humanist and philosopher Desiderius Erasmus, himself a keen traveller. It is his inquisitive outlook that the centre offers the local population. Set up in 1970, the centre has undergone multiple refurbishments since relocating. In recent years, however, the existing spaces could no longer accommodate the cultural programme and the interior looked dated and sombre. “We started with small discussion groups to find out what we had to do: what is our vision, our mission, and what are our core qualities,” explained Swartbol, Dutch ambassador in Indonesia, at the opening. “We wanted to create an ambiance in which we displayed energy, transparency and openness. The spaces had to reflect these core values.”

We wanted to create an ambiance in which we displayed energy, transparency and openness. The spaces had to reflect these core values.

_{Rob Swartbol, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Indonesia}

Renovation increases spaciousness

During the renovation, walls were removed and windows added, and the interior underwent a total facelift with contemporary materials and fresh colours. The alterations have resulted in reception, presentation and performance spaces that align with the cultural programme and desired atmosphere. Erasmus Huis manager Joyce Nijssen commented at the opening that the interior deliberately features many Dutch Design products in order to promote the Dutch design scene.

The publicly accessible centre has a foyer, a wide-ranging library, catering facilities and an exhibition space on the ground floor. Located above are a spacious exhibition gallery and an auditorium that can seat 350 guests.

_{Images: Manual Jakarta www.manual.co.id | Erasmus Huis - Oxalis Atindriyaratri (children)}