House of Sampoerna

Posted on 12 January 2012 by bcbolee

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 finished goods 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 a shop. The east side has been transformed into a unique structure containing a caf? 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?500 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 Shop

Souvenirs Shop which is located in the 2nd floor Museum, offers a wide selection of batik, books, handicraft, shirt and many other Surabaya’s signature souvenir. These items are not only well suited for your personal use but also make great gifts.

The Caf?

With a touch of art deco? a splash of wild creativity and a dash of history? the Caf? 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 Caf? 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.