Location : Ronggowarsito Street, No. 83, Keprabon, Banjarsari, Surakarta
Designation Decree : SK Walikota Surakarta No. 430/373 Tahun 2024

 

The core buildings of Mangkunegaran Palace follow the spatial layout of a Javanese aristocratic residence and feature traditional Javanese architecture, enriched with a mixture of Javanese and European decorative elements. The main complex consists of three key structures:

1.    Pendhapa Ageng (a grand pavilion)
Pendhapa Ageng is an open Javanese pavilion with a shingle roof and a three-tiered joglo structure made of wood. It serves as the main reception hall for guests and official palace ceremonies. This grand pavilion is characterized by its joglo roof painted predominantly in light blue. Over time, the Pendhapa Ageng has undergone several modifications:
1)    The main pillars were constructed in 1814 during the reign of K.G.P.A.A Mangkunegraa II.
2)    In 1866–1874, under K.G.P.A.A Mangunegara IV, the pavilion was renovated on a grand scale. The tiled floor was replaced with Italian marble, and the addition of Bangsal Tosan and a chandelier in the shape of a kroon—a former lamp from the Governor-General’s palace in Buitenzorg (Bogor). At that time, the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies was Baron Soet van de Beel (Susanto:2010, p.8).
3)    During the reign of K.G.P.A.A Mangkunegara VII, several changes were made:
a.    Addition of a veranda (tratag) with a zinc roof supported by iron pillars.
b.    Covering the shingle roof with copper plating.
c.    Installation of a decorated ceiling featuring Kumudhawati paintings. Kumudhawati, meaning “white lotus flowers,” conveys symbolic teachings for human conduct. This imagery blends artistic expression with the moral lessons found in Serat Piwulang, a literary work by Mangkunegara IV. The ceiling was painted by Liem Tho Hien in 1933.

2.    Pringgitan 
The Pringgitan is a connecting space between Pendhapa Ageng and the Dalem Ageng. It functions as the venue for wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performances and as a reception area for palace guests, including rulers of the Islamic Mataram Dynasty, Governor-Generals' Residents, and colonial officials. It features a limasan roof covered with shingles. 
 The Pringgitan includes two additional rooms on the west and east sides, designed by Ir. Thomas Karsten. These rooms display various carving styles: vine motifs symbolizing Mangkunegara IV, VII, IX, and X. The floor is made of marble, and the building is supported by six pillars. At the front, two pillars are adorned with carved decorations, and above them are carved ornaments featuring floral vines, birds, and vase-like motifs. 

3.    Dalem Ageng
The Dalem Ageng is the main building of the Mangkunegaran Palace and the primary venue for traditional ceremonies. It has a limasan roof supported by eight main pillars (saka guru). The building has no ceiling, allowing the roof structure to remain visible from below. Today, Dalem Ageng functions as the Mangkunegaran Museum. On its right and left sides stand two additional buildings, namely Balewarni and Balepeni. Balewani serves as the residence of a princess, while Balepeni was the residence of a prince.