We can replace the word old with classic. Changing what is considered outdated, into something valuable with art.
Going around the city center is indeed an unforgettable experience if we find historical buildings. Old buildings that of course can amaze us with their charming architectural designs at that time. However, they still blend in today.
Like this time I was amazed by an old building that has now changed function. In the past when I was studying in this city, this building was still used as the center of post office activities Pos Indonesia. Pos Indonesia is a service for sending letters, documents and important goods throughout Indonesia.
From the function of a delivery center to a public space for young people. Currently, this building is named Pos Bloc
You can see the big name as a marker "Pos Indonesia" at the top of this old building. While on the bottom left there is a marker for the name Pos Bloc.
This old building is dominated by the color white, so from a distance the white color actually looks luxurious with its classicism. How amazing! Come on, I invite you to take a deeper look at this building.
Because this building is used as a center for youth activities, this building functions as a culinary center, and the coolest thing is the Pos Museum in this building.
Currently, the Regional Government has designated this building as a cultural heritage center so that it cannot be renovated. I think it's actually good how they can maintain the authenticity of this building and make this building look young with several innovations that are adjusted to today's young people as the dominant visitors in this place.
Main Area
In the main area, we can immediately see how magnificent this building is. We can imagine that this place used to be an office center used to carry out Pos Indonesia activities. A center for sending letters and important goods to other areas throughout Indonesia.
The characteristics of a classic old building are the luxurious lights and glass ornaments on the top of the building. Similar to the characteristics of church buildings in the past.
Well, according to the information I read from a website source, this building is apparently more than 100 years old and was designed by a Dutch architect at that time. He was named Simon Snuyf from Burgelijke Openbare Werken, the Dutch East Indies Public Works Department.
The glass on the upper side of the building not only provides lighting functions, but also high artistic value with various beautiful designs.
Museum Area
Next, we can explore the Museum Area section. The museum in this building was created for archives related to the activities of the Indonesian post office in the past. We can read briefly about the activities of POS Indonesia throughout Indonesia in the large print media provided in this place.
Starting from the history of the first post office in Indonesia, equipped with photo documentation at that time.
Then, there is also the history of stamps, and the first post office. Of course, also equipped with image documentation at that time.
There is an old bicycle with baskets on the back that are used to hold letters, important documents or other important items that will be delivered to various recipients' homes. I remember once receiving letters from the post office whose officers rode old bicycles like this. Well, my late father also used to ride the same bicycle to take me to elementary school. Oh, it feels so nostalgic!
Another exciting thing that we can explore in this area museum is the collection related to post office activities.
The old collections are neatly displayed and protected with glass protectors to ensure that the old collections are not touched by visitors.
Starting from the collection of items for operating activities at the post office, to the collection of old stamps and old postcards.
Sebuah Bis Surat or mailbox made in 1829.
A scale used to weigh large items. Visitors are requested not to climb this scale.
An old typewriter.
Creative Space
The things that make this building young again are the creative activities carried out in this place. A stage is provided in this place. Starting from live music and other art performances (theater, film) held by various art communities in the city of Medan.
Another brilliant thing that the government has done to maintain this building with a good function is to rent out these areas as a culinary center. Not just one culinary brand in this place. We can have many find famous restaurant or cafe brands in this place.
The design of various culinary places in this building certainly adjusts to the original shape of the tall building.
Culinary business owners also utilize semi-outdoor or outdoor areas that give an aesthetic impression that is favored by young people today.
Side Of The Building
In the final session of this blog, I invite you to see the design of the side of this post office building.
An old door made of super thick wood. Very strong! Even if we accidentally hit our heads on this door, it is likely to get hurt ehehe. I am amazed by the strength of wooden materials from the past!
On the side area, there is also a classic staircase with a distinctive red color. Stairs leading to the upper floor.
On the upper floor of this building there is also an active cafe. From the upper area, of course we can see a beautiful city view.
Design in the upper area of the post office building
There is also an outdoor area on the side. Utilizing the classic window frame design. A view that makes the building look alive again with an aesthetic function.
Overall, POS BLOC is a tourist destination worth visiting. A complete destination because it provides various art performances, as well as various delicious culinary delights!
Best Regards,
Anggrek Lestari
Anggrek Lestari is an Indonesian fiction writer who has published two major books. Now She is a full-time content creator. She has a goal to share life, poem, and food content that makes others happy and can get inspiration.
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