Lawang Sewu is one of iconic landmark in Semarang, Lawang Sewu is a Javanese language, affectionately known as “Thousand Dooors”. This place is far more than a historical building; it is a beautiful representation of the glory of Dutch colonialism. This iconic building, with its remarkable Dutch colonial architecture was once the powerful administration hub of the colonial railway. This “Thousand Doors” gets revitalized by the goverment, now this place perfectly blends its unique European heritage of building with a lively, modern energy. This place, beautifully restored from the old reputation, became Semarang most vibrant by hosting a diverse collection of events and attracting visitors into an immersive experience.

Information and Activities at Lawang Sewu

Lawang Sewu is open daily, on Monday it is open from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM. Meanwhile on Sunday, Tuesday-Friday it is open from 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM. While on Saturday it is open from 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM. The fee entrance of this place starts from various ranges. For children the fee entrance is only IDR 10,000 (USD 0,61), for adult is IDR 20,000 (USD 1,22), and for tourist is IDR 30,000 (USD 1,83)

After the government is doing the revitalization, this place has become a dynamic hub with a range of activities which appeal to various interests and give an immersive experience that can be found here. Here are the activities that you can find and enjoy at Lawang Sewu:

• Guided Tours
  Lawang Sewu offers self guided tours which are open for both local visitors and also tourist visitors. If the visitors want to gain deeper insight into the building’s history, that was once a railway office or the histories including the occupation fighting for independence. Guides also can share the local legends and stories from this place. If you are interested to get a deeper information of Lawang Sewu, you can rent a tour guide and find it in the entrance. The fee of renting the tour guide is affordable, here are the fees of renting tour guide

• Railway Museum or Exhibitions
  Lawang Sewu is also function as a railway museum that managed by KAI Wisata. Here you can find exhibits related to railways in Indonesia, including old photos, artifacts, and possibly miniature train sets.

• Immersive Exhibitions
  Here also offers modern exhibitions that immerse the visitors. It uses an audio visual media to tell the story of Indonesia railways. This place usually also offers exhibitions of arts, like craft bazaars,antique markets,and many more public events that are usually held on weekends or holidays.

• Cultural Events
  Lawang Sewu often serves as a venue for traditional Javanese dance performance, music concerts, and other cultural shows.

• Angkringan Nights
  In the evening, the front yard of Lawang Sewu often transforms into a lively “angkringan” and many visitors come there just to eat or watch the live music without tables or chairs, so it is only matras and they sit on it or also called “lesehan”.

• Festival and Special Events
  Throughout the year, Lawang Sewu held many themed festivals, and special events, such as cosplay carnival, karaoke party, News Year’s celebration and many more. It is always a good idea to check their official social media for the newest update events if you are planning to visit and not missing out on their events. You may check in their official Instagram: @wisata.lawangsewu.

Facilities and Service

Lawang Sewu offers facilities and services for the visitors. There are the facilities and services that available at Lawang Sewu:

1. Prayer Room
2. Restroom
3. Smoking Area
4. Parking Area

Lawang Sewu is located in Pemuda Street No.160, Semarang City, Central Java. If the visitors want to visit this place, there are many options for you to get to this place. Here are the options for you:

• BRT

For visitors who want to go to Lawang Sewu using public transportation, there is a bus called Trans Semarang. If you are from Poncol or Tawang Station you can get on the bus in the coridor four as its route to Cangkiran. The bus will take you off to Balaikota bus stop, then you can take a walk 100 meters from Balaikota. 

• Self Driving

If you choose to drive, renting a car or scooter from local providers is a great option. The visitors only need to open the maps and set the route to Lawang Sewu. There is lots of parking accessible, so you don’t need to worry about it. The parking price starts at IDR 3,000. Since the route to the area is sufficiently wide and paved. Nonetheless, both private automobiles and public transportation can easily reach it.