The spatial layout of the Yogyakarta Sultanate is not merely a physical construction, but a manifestation of a profound philosophy that has been developed since the Giyanti Agreement of 1755. The relationship between material architecture and the landscape encompasses sacred and profane dimensions that reflect the identity of the Javanese people. This exhibition reveals how each style and function of a building is a symbol of a way of life that is related to social and spiritual status.
The landscape of Yogyakarta is understood through the concept of Sangkan Paraning Dumadi, which describes the human journey of life, and the principle of Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana. Cosmologically, the development of the region is based on the balance of the micro and macro cosmos, which involves the protection of the nine directions of the wind or Nawa Dewata. This philosophy is then applied to the mental development of humans as well as the physical layout of the city, which is in harmony with nature and its creator.
The power relationship between humans and nature is manifested in the concept of a cosmic axis stretching from the South Sea, the Palace, to Mount Merapi. The city layout applies the principle of Catur Gatra Tunggal, which consists of the elements of the palace, the town square, the mosque, and the market as the main requirements for governmental balance. In addition, there is also a concentric division of areas such as buron wana and buron toya, which show the close relationship between ecological narratives and the collective memory of the community.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the realistic and philosophical-magical sides of Javanese architecture in the SMARA-BAWANA: Tata Ruang Kasultanan Yogyakarta exhibition. You will be invited to rediscover your identity and living space, which may have been taken for granted but hold profound meaning. Visit this exhibition at the Yogyakarta Palace to witness how harmony between humans, buildings, and the universe is realized in reality.
Event period
Mar 8, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026
Contact Person Operating Hours
Event Location
Kagungan Dalem Kedhaton
Curatorial Tour
29 Maret 2026, 13:00
Hello, Friends of the Yogyakarta Palace,
In support of the “Smarabawana: Spatial Planning of the Yogyakarta Sultanate” exhibition, a Curatorial Tour will be held.
This event invites participants to explore the connection between architectural structures and the natural landscape, along with the philosophical meanings and magical values that underlie them. The narrative will be presented directly by the Curator of the Smarabawana Exhibition.
This Curatorial Tour will take place on
Sunday, March 29, 2026
from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM WIB
Meeting point at Bangsal Ponconiti
Ticket Prices:
1 ticket: IDR 175,000
2 tickets: IDR 300,000
Friends can register via
the link below
Full details are available on
Instagram: @kratonjogja.event @kratonjogja.tourism
Contact: 0851-8477-3102
King's Garden Tour
Hello Friends
Architecturally, the royal gardens were created to balance the life formed and developed within the royal rest house complex. One such garden is located in the Ambarrukmo Rest House complex.
In response, we are presenting the Royal Garden Tour at the Ambarrukmo Rest House Complex as a supporting event for the Smarabawana Exhibition this April. During this activity, participants will be invited to re-examine the role and function of the royal gardens, particularly the architectural aspects of the complex. At the end of the activity, participants will be invited to immortalize the moment by creating a stencil creation with Akbar Sultan.
This activity will be held on
Saturday, April 18, 2026
from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM WIB
at the Pesanggrahan Ambarrukmo
Ragam Tegel di Kraton Jogja
23 Mei 2026, 09:00
In support of the exhibition "Smara-Bawana: Spatial Planning of the Yogyakarta Sultanate," the Yogyakarta Palace will hold a workshop titled "Variety of Tiles in the Yogyakarta Palace."
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM WIB
Location: Sarasa Tiles & Antiques
The exhibition's topic, derived from architectural aspects such as building patterns and functions, is highlighted, including the ornaments and decorative motifs at the Yogyakarta Palace. The uniqueness is evident in the floors, which are composed of interconnected tiles, forming distinctive new motifs.
This activity invites participants to explore the various tile patterns found at the Yogyakarta Palace through a hands-on visit to the tile factory. Participants will also practice tile printing on-site.
Ticket Prices:
1 Ticket Rp275,000
5 Tickets Rp1,250,000
Participants can register via https://bit.ly/LokakaryaTegelSmarabawana
For more information, visit:
Instagram: @kratonjogja.event @kratonjogja.tourism
Contact Person: 0812-1625-3307 (Putri)
Ngayuh Kawruh
28 Juni 2026, 13:00
Halo Sahabat Kraton!
Pembangunan pesanggrahan erat kaitannya sebagai tempat peristirahatan bagi raja berserta keluarga. Selain itu, pesanggrahan juga berfungsi sebagai sarana rekreasi, pertahanan, spiritual (sumber: kratonjogja)
Dalam merespon hal tersebut “Pameran Smarabawana: Tata Ruang Kasultanan Yogyakarta” akan menghadirkan agenda pendukung dengan tajuk “Ngayuh Kawruh”, yaitu bersepeda sembari menyusuri Pesanggrahan Ambarbinangun dan Pesanggrahan Sanapakis.
Pada kegiatan tersebut peserta akan bersepeda bersama melalui rute Pesanggrahan Ambarbinangun hingga Pesanggrahan Sanapakis dengan jarak menengah.
Kegiatan ini akan dilaksanakan pada
Minggu, 28 Juni 2026
Pukul 13.45 - selesai WIB
Titik kumpul di Pesanggrahan Ambarbinangun
Pendaftaran dapat dilakukan di
https://bit.ly/NgayuhKawruhSmarabawana
*kuota terbatas
