Royal Treasure

  • Wayang

Within the historic grounds of Kedhaton Ambarrukmo, there is a sacred space known as the Pringgitan, the traditional area where wayang kulit performances were once held. More than a passage between the pendhapa and the inner house, Pringgitan was a cultural stage where light, shadow, and timeless Javanese stories came to life.
Today, as this heritage site becomes part of Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta, the spirit of those ancient stories continues to live on. Royal Ambarrukmo stands not only as a modern luxury hotel, but also as a guardian of tradition, connecting past and present with grace.
As part of the Royal Ambarrukmo’s 11th Anniversary celebration in 2022, a special wayang kulit performance titled “Semar Bangun Kayangan” was presented at the historic Pringgitan. The show was masterfully led by Ki Dalang Mas Wedana Cermo Sutedjo, bringing timeless Javanese storytelling and spiritual symbolism to life within the palace’s cultural grounds.

 

  • Gamelan 

In the serene courtyards of Kedhaton Ambarrukmo, the sound of gamelan once filled the air, a harmonious ensemble that accompanied royal ceremonies, wayang performances, and moments of quiet reflection. Each note, each gong, and each soft strike of the saron carried the soul of Javanese tradition.

Gamelan is more than music, it is a philosophy of balance. Every instrument plays its part without overpowering the others, creating a unity that reflects the Javanese way of life; harmony, patience, and mutual respect.

Today, at Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta, this spirit continues. When guests encounter the graceful rhythm of gamelan, whether during cultural presentations or special moments in the palace grounds, they are experiencing the same timeless resonance once heard by the royal family of Ambarrukmo.

Just as gamelan blends many voices into one beautiful composition, Royal Ambarrukmo brings together history, culture, and modern hospitality into a single harmonious experience.

 

  • Art Objects In Ambarrukmo

From the very beginning, there were some works of art that were displayed in Ambarrukmo Hotel. These artworks were not merely interior ornaments, such as decorative ornaments and wall hangings , posters, glass paintings, wood carvings, and traditional art forms. Those art objects were promotional cultural products created by Indonesian artists who lived at that era.

President Sukarno was a collector of visual art objects. As proof of this, since 1950s, The Presidential Palace of the Republic of Indonesia was decorated with thousands of paintings and sculptures. These collections kept his spirit on fire and injected new energy when he was tired with the problems of the state and politics. He wanted to set visual art as a means to build a national character for his people and developed a big dignified country. So, he built all these hotels to showcase the works of art and cultural products created by the children of the nation.