Vredeburg Fort was built by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I in 1760, based on the request from Dutch government, Nicolas Harting. The construction was first functioned as a fort in rectangle form. Each corner of the building had a guard post called seleka or bastion which was given a name; Jayawisesa (northwest corner), Jayapurusa (northeast corner, Jayaprakosaning (southwest corner), and Jayaprayitna (southeast corner).
In 1762, Nicolas Harting was replaced by W.H. Ossenberch who later on, persuaded Sultan to construct the fort permanently. Sultan granted the request and the construction began in 1767 under the supervision of Ir. Frans Haak, the Dutch expert of construction. The construction was finally finished in 1787. The building was named Rustenberg that means “rest fort”. In 1867, earthquake in Yogyakarta tore down Rustenberg Fort. The building was renovated and the name was changed into Vredeburg fort that means “peace fort”. The name is used until today.
Today, the function of the fort becomes National Struggle Monument that is called Vredeburg Fort Museum. It was officially launched on November 23, 1992. The museum often functions as a place to hold art and culture activities.