Museum Visits Rise During 2026 School Holidays: Is Historical Tourism Growing in Popularity?

Museums have become one of the preferred travel destinations during school holiday seasons. Beyond offering entertainment, museums also deliver interactive learning experiences, making them an attractive option for families to spend holiday time while getting acquainted with Indonesian history and culture.

This trend is reflected in data from the Public Service Agency (BLU) for Museums and Cultural Heritage (MCB) under the Ministry of Culture, which recorded an increase in museum visitor numbers during the July 2026 school holidays compared to the same period in the previous year.

"The total number of visits to units fully managed by Museums and Cultural Heritage during the July 2026 holiday period reached 118,510 visitors. This marks an increase from the 104,733 visitors recorded in 2025," stated Head of Museums and Cultural Heritage Indira Esti Nurjadin to Antara News.  

This data shows visitor numbers increased by 13.15 percent, serving as a positive signal that historical tourism is gaining growing interest among the public.

Various Programs Driving Visitor Interest

According to Indira Esti Nurjadin, the growth in visitor numbers is the result of continuous innovations implemented by the Museums and Cultural Heritage agency.

Development of public programs, exhibition organization, collaborations with various partners, and improved visitor services have all made museums increasingly appealing as educational travel destinations.

One innovation that received the most widespread public attention is the Museum Passport, a program launched by the Ministry of Culture in May 2026.

While no dedicated formal study has yet been conducted to measure its quantitative contribution, this program has received positive public reception and has helped drive increased interest in museum visits.

Museum Passport Delivers A New Travel Experience

The Museum Passport offers a distinct experience for travellers. Currently, 16 museums managed by Museums and Cultural Heritage have provided special stamp stations as part of this program.

Beyond serving as a travel keepsake, the Museum Passport provides various benefits for its holders. It includes free entry vouchers for 9 museums and 1 cultural heritage site managed by the MCB.

Furthermore, visitors who successfully collect all stamps from participating museums will receive attractive souvenirs as a form of appreciation.

With this concept, museum visiting activities feel more enjoyable while also encouraging travellers to explore more historical destinations.

Dozens Of Museums Participate In The Program

Numerous renowned Indonesian museums have joined the Museum Passport program, including the National Museum of Indonesia, Indonesian Batik Museum, Sangiran Ngebung Cluster Prehistoric Human Museum, National Gallery of Indonesia, National Awakening Museum, Majapahit Museum, Bung Karno Residence, Yogyakarta Struggle Museum, and Song Terus Museum.

Historical Tourism Is Increasingly Relevant For Families

The rising rate of museum visits demonstrates that the public no longer views museums solely as storage facilities for historical artefacts.

Museums have evolved into educational recreational spaces that deliver hands-on learning experiences, especially for children during school holiday periods.

Through various service innovations, interactive exhibitions, and programs such as the Museum Passport, museums are expected to grow closer to younger generations while also strengthening public appreciation for the nation's history, culture, and heritage.