The dramatic Aceh Tsunami Museum was opened in 2009 to commemorate the 2004 tsunami in which more than 150,000 Acehnese lost their lives. Even as late as the end of 2012, the museum still seemed to be a work-in-progress but it is nonetheless still a moving and interesting place to visit.
The Tsunami Museum in Banda Aceh, as seen from the old Dutch cemetery.
Visitors enter through a dark corridor under a spray of water to emerge in a room filled with video displays showing pictures of many different scenes of the disaster, both as it unfolded as well as the aftermath. The next room is like a small domed mosque. The names of those who lost their lives cover the walls while prayers are constantly said.
Other spaces hold conventional displays of information about the disaster, and there are also spaces which have rotating exhibits. The museum and its displays are probably Banda Aceh's number one sight.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to noon, and from 2:00 pm until 4:30 pm. Admission is free.