This museum, a vision of founder Ciputra, holds the largest collection of Hendra Gunawan in the world. Ciputra had founded the museum and the centre, with the aim of creating an arts space that serves to improve the living standard / value of Indonesian artists and the
development of the Indonesian art world.

The present exhibition in the museum, Hendra Gunawan: Prisoner of Hope was curated to celebrate the centenary of Hendra Gunawan in 2018.
The exhibition title not only alludes to the 13 years that Hendra Gunawan spent in the Kebun Waru prison but also a reference to the” imprisonment” Hendra found within himself as he harbored the notion of hope throughout his life. This hope subsequently manifested itself in the sacrifices he made for his first love of Indonesia, as he constantly strived to impart a sense of freedom, an artistic energy and a new vision to the Indonesian people. This vision is evident in his canvases which vividly depict Indonesian from all walks of life, fishermen, farmers, market vendors, mothers and fathers, all hard at work.