Amidst Bali’s natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere that draw travellers from around the globe lies a lesser-known treasure trove waiting to be discovered by culture and art enthusiasts—the island’s captivating museums.
Beyond its famed beaches and lush landscapes, Bali boasts a collection of cultural institutions that offer profound insights into its rich heritage and artistic traditions. From the timeless elegance of traditional Balinese art to the dynamic interplay of contemporary expressions, these museums serve as gateways to the soul of Bali. Join Indonesia Expat as we embark on a journey through Bali’s top museums, where history, creativity, and cultural richness converge to inspire and educate visitors from all walks of life.
The Blanco Renaissance Museum
Opened in 1998, the Blanco Renaissance Museum is a vibrant showcase of the works of Don Antonio Blanco, a Spanish-American painter who made Bali his home. Located in Ubud, the museum was built on land gifted by the King of Ubud, Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati. The museum not only exhibits over 300 pieces of Blanco’s romantic and expressive art but also reflects his flamboyant personality, akin to that of Salvador Dalí. Known for his depictions of women, Blanco’s unique style blends surrealism with Balinese cultural elements, inspired by his travels and artistic influences like Paul Gauguin. The museum, a realisation of Blanco’s dream, stands as a testament to his artistic legacy and continues to attract art enthusiasts from around the world.
- Address: Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali
- Phone: +62 361 975502
- Instagram: @blancomuseum
Neka Art Museum
Founded in 1982 by Balinese art connoisseur Pande Wayan Suteja Neka, the Neka Art Museum is a premier institution showcasing a rich collection of traditional and contemporary Balinese art. Named after Neka, who began collecting paintings to document and preserve artistic traditions, the museum features works from renowned Balinese artists and expatriates influenced by Bali’s culture. Inspired by Neka’s friendships with Dutch artists Rudolf Bonnet and Arie Smit, the museum was inaugurated to serve as a source of inspiration, education, and research, earning accolades such as the Dharma Kusuma Art Award for its contribution to the arts.
- Address: Jl. Raya Sanggingan Campuhan, Kedewatan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali
- Phone: +62 813 3842 4036
- Instagram: @nekaartmuseum
Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)
Established by Agung Rai in 1996, the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) in Ubud, Bali, prioritises the preservation and promotion of Balinese art and culture. The museum showcases an extensive collection ranging from traditional Kamasan paintings on tree bark to contemporary works by both Balinese and international artists. Notable pieces include works by Balinese masters like I Gusti Nyoman Lempad and foreign artists such as Rudolf Bonnet. ARMA also serves as a cultural centre, offering workshops, performances, and educational programmes, reflecting Rai’s vision of a living, dynamic institution that celebrates and sustains the artistic heritage of Bali.
- Address: Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali
- Phone: +62 361 976659
- Instagram: @arma.bali
Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets
Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation, education, and enjoyment of traditional mask and puppet art from Indonesia and around the world, founded by cultural enthusiast Hadi Sunyoto in 2006. Located near Ubud, Bali, the museum boasts a collection of over 1,300 masks and 5,700 puppets, housed in traditional Javanese Joglo structures. The museum’s mission includes conserving these art forms, disseminating knowledge, and providing a space for cultural entertainment and research. With extensive facilities including exhibition halls, performance spaces, and a tropical garden, Setia Darma offers a vibrant cultural experience.
- Address: Jl. Tegal Bingin, Banjar Tengkulak Tengah, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali
- Phone: +62 361 977404
- Website: https://www.maskandpuppets.com
Ubud Diary
In the scenic village of Lodtunduh, Ubud, Ubud Diary, established by Made Ary Bali, is a testament to his lifelong passion for art and culture. Inspired by his early experiences with traditional Chinese and tribal art from Borneo, and his fascination with Ubud’s artistic heritage since his first visit in 1989, Ary’s gallery and villas are dedicated to ‘The Art of Living.’ The venue showcases a diverse collection of Indonesian antiques, art, and crafts, emphasising the unique Pengosekan style painting known for its detailed flora and fauna motifs. Ubud Diary not only serves as an exhibition space but also as a cultural haven, preserving and promoting the artistic traditions of Ubud.
- Address: Jl. A.A. Gede Rai No.550, Lodtunduh, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali
- Phone: +62 813 8000 7899
- Instagram: @ubuddiary
Museum Puri Lukisan
Founded in 1956 by Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati, Museum Puri Lukisan in Ubud stands as one of Bali’s oldest art museums, dedicated to preserving and exhibiting traditional and modern Balinese art. Named “Puri Lukisan” or “Palace of Painting,” it was established to nurture and showcase Bali’s artistic heritage. The museum’s collection includes significant works from influential Balinese artists such as I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, Rudolf Bonnet, and Walter Spies, reflecting the island’s cultural richness and artistic evolution. Inspired by Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati’s vision to celebrate and promote Balinese artistry, the museum serves as a pivotal institution for cultural education, research, and artistic inspiration, earning recognition for its contributions to the arts in Bali.
- Address: Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Bali
- Phone: +62 361 971159
- Instagram: @museumpurilukisan
The Ogoh Ogoh Bali Museum
Established by the artist I Ketut Sudiana, The Ogoh Ogoh Bali Museum is a novel institution dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of ogoh-ogoh, the giant papier-mâché effigies used in Bali’s Nyepi celebrations. Opened in 2022 in Mengwi, this museum showcases a diverse collection of these intricate and often monstrous figures, which symbolise the negative aspects of human nature and are paraded through the streets before being ritually burned to ward off evil spirits. The museum not only highlights the artistry involved in creating ogoh-ogoh but also serves as an educational resource, offering insights into their cultural and religious significance in Balinese Hinduism.
- Address: Jl. Ayodya No.1 Taman Ayun, Mengwi, Badung, Bali
- Phone: +62 813 3795 1854
Bali Museum
Founded in 1932, the Bali Museum in Denpasar is a cultural institution focusing on preserving Balinese heritage. Established with the support of the Dutch colonial administration, it showcases a diverse collection of artefacts, including traditional costumes, religious artefacts, and artworks. The museum, designed by architect P.J. Moojen, reflects Balinese architectural styles and features four main buildings, each representing different aspects of Balinese culture and history. Serving as a crucial centre for cultural education and preservation, the Bali Museum offers visitors a comprehensive insight into the island’s rich cultural legacy.
- Address: Jl. Mayor Wisnu No.1, Dangin Puri, Denpasar, Bali
- Phone: +62 361 222680
Le Mayeur Museum
Formed in the former home of Belgian artist Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merprès in Sanur, Bali, this museum is a tribute to his artistic legacy and his love for Balinese culture. Le Mayeur arrived in Bali in 1932 and was captivated by its vibrant culture and natural beauty, particularly inspired by his wife and muse, Ni Pollok, a traditional Legong dancer. Their home, preserved as a museum since 1957, houses around 80 of his works, showcasing a fusion of Balinese themes with European painting styles. The museum remains a significant cultural landmark, offering insights into the artistic and personal life of Le Mayeur and his contributions to Bali’s artistic heritage.
- Address: Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar, Bali
- Phone: +62 361 286201
Museum Pasifika Bali
Established in 2006 by Indonesian entrepreneur and art enthusiast Moerdani, Museum Pasifika Bali stands as a prominent institution showcasing a diverse collection of art from across the Asia-Pacific region. Named “Pasifika” to reflect its focus on Pacific cultures, the museum features an extensive array of artworks, including traditional artefacts and contemporary pieces. Its collection spans various countries such as Indonesia, Fiji, Polynesia, and beyond, highlighting cultural exchanges and influences. Inspired by Moerdani’s passion for preserving and celebrating the region’s artistic diversity, the museum serves as an educational hub and cultural landmark, fostering appreciation and understanding of Pacific art and heritage.
- Address: BTDC Area Block P, Benoa, Badung, Bali
- Phone: +62 361 774935
- Instagram: @museumpasifika