10 Great Museums in Bali
Where to Discover Bali's History, Art, and Culture?
Museums in Bali highlight the island’s rich culture and history through interesting exhibits that cover a wide range of subjects. Many of these museums and galleries are owned by prominent artists who are passionate about preserving and fostering the island’s arts. Paintings, wooden sculptures, and textiles are some of the highlights you can admire at these venues.
Archeological findings, including human skeletons, stone tools, and blades from the Palaeolithic and pre-Hindu Bronze Ages can be found in prominent archeological museums. Families can also find many lighthearted galleries in Kuta and Denpasar where kids will be both entertained and educated.
1. Agung Rai Museum of Art
A cultural center with a focus on dance
Good for: History, Photo
The Agung Rai Museum of Art (also known as ARMA) is part of an art gallery and cultural center that also provides accommodation in Ubud. The museum has 2 main buildings that house exhibition halls, a theatre where performances are regularly shown, art classes, a bookshop, library, and cultural workshops.
Kecak (traditional Balinese dance, drama, and singing) performances usually take place on new and full moons at 7.30 pm, while the Legong Telek dance is held every Tuesday at 7.30 pm. Traditional gamelan instruments, woodcarvings, dance, history, indigenous fabrics, and traditional cuisine are also among the museum’s offerings. Read more
Location: Jalan Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +62 (0)361 976659
Agung Rai Museum of Art
2. The Blanco Renaissance Museum
Antonio Blanco’s famous works with a lovely garden
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
The Blanco Renaissance Museum in Bali houses paintings, collages, and illustrated poetry by Don Antonio Blanco and his son Mario. He was known for his lithographic artworks of nude Balinese women. In the 1960s, the late Philippine-born artist built his home and studio here, on a hilltop overlooking the lush valley of Campuhan.
You’ll also find a gift shop, cafe, and the Blanco’s family temple within the premises. The cafe has a cozy Balinese atmosphere and serves European and Asian dishes. There’s also a lovely garden that’s home to parrots and other exotic birds. Read more
Location: Jalan Raya Campuhan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +62 (0)361 975502
The Blanco Renaissance Museum
3. Museum Le Mayeur
The works of a renowned artist
Good for: History, Photo
The Le Mayeur Museum displays around 80 paintings by Brussels-born painter, Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres (1880 to 1958). His artworks are categorized by mediums like hardboard, plywood, canvas, and paper. You can also view his extensive collection of Balinese artifacts.
The main building is where you can visit Le Mayeur’s former living quarters, which have classical Balinese elements, sculpted stone walls, and red terrazzo floor tiles. Carved wood dominates the furnishings, and the window sills feature beautiful motifs inspired by “wayang” (shadow puppet) characters. Read more
Location: Jalan Hang Tuah, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
Open: Friday from 8 am to 2.30 pm, Saturday–Thursday from 8 am to 4.30 pm
Phone: +62 (0)361 286201
Museum Le Mayeur
4. Museum Puri Lukisan
Traditional Balinese art and treasures
Good for: Food, History, Photo
The Museum Puri Lukisan in Ubud has 6 buildings displaying traditional Balinese paintings and woodcarvings. It was founded in 1956 and displays around 150 paintings and 62 sculptures. Notable exhibits include a series of Balinese paintings, masterworks by I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, and a fantastic “wayang” (traditional shadow puppet) painting collection.
The Founders Gallery showcases the museum’s history and temporary exhibitions of local artists’ work. When you’ve enjoyed the artworks, there’s an onsite cafe for refreshments and shop to explore. Museum Puri Lukisan is about 150 meters west of Ubud’s community hall, Puri Saren Royal Palace, and the Ubud Art Market. Read more
Location: Jalan Raya Ubud, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +62 (0)361 971159
Museum Puri Lukisan
5. Bali Museum
10,000 exhibits in this vast complex
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
The Bali Museum has over 10,000 exhibits in separate pavilions. The pavilions’ architectural styling pays homage to Balinese heritage, with stone carvings, bas reliefs, and lush, tropical gardens dominating its exteriors. Vast collections of ethnographic displays range from classical Kamasan-style paintings hailing from the Klungkung regency to ancient statues and inscriptions.
You can also see weapons dating back to Bali’s Bronze Age, pre-Hindu-era ritualistic items, and traditional leatherwork such as “wayang kulit” (shadow puppets). There’s also a great collection of theatrical masks, old textiles, costumes, and musical instruments. Read more
Location: Jalan Mayor Wisnu No.1, Dangin Puri, Denpasar, Bali 80232, Indonesia
Open: Saturday–Thursday from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm, Friday from 7.30 am to 2.30 pm
Phone: +62 (0)361 222680
Bali Museum
6. Museum Rudana & Rudana Fine Art Gallery
Showcasing up-and-coming local artists
Good for: Photo, Unusual
The Museum Rudana & Rudana Fine Art Gallery in Ubud display a mix of classical and contemporary Balinese paintings. The complex was established in 1995 by Balinese art collector Nyoman Rudana and his wife. In a mission to further boost Bali’s art scene and promote new talent, the museum regularly organizes exhibitions by emerging local artists.
Besides admiring the artworks in its collection, you can also explore the lush gardens and private rice fields surrounding the museum. The Rudana museum and gallery is located about 2 miles southeast of the Ubud Monkey Forest Read more
Location: Jalan Cok Rai Pudak 44, Ubud, Peliatan, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +62 (0)361 975779
Museum Rudana & Rudana Fine Art Gallery
7. Neka Art Museum
A museum inspired by local beauty and culture
Good for: History, Photo
The Neka Art Museum is an art gallery and museum established by Balinese art lover, Wayan Suteja Neka. The museum was built in 1976 and inaugurated by the Ministry of Culture & Education in 1982. Inside are collections of exquisite paintings and traditional sculptures displayed through 6 different buildings.
Make sure you head out to the Balinese-style garden compound after exploring the museum’s exhibits. Neka Art Museum is located on Jalan Raya Campuhan, in the village of Kedewatan, around 1.5 miles northwest of the center of Ubud. Read more
Location: Jalan Raya Campuhan, Kedewatan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +62 (0)361 975074
Neka Art Museum
8. Museum Pasifika Bali
Asian-pacific art across 11 pavilions
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Museum Pasifika is a child-friendly establishment consisting of 11 pavilions to explore. They display works from over 200 artists from 25 countries, 350 paintings, and 250 historical objects. Located in the Bali Tourism Development Corporation’s complex, the museum attracts enthusiasts of Asia-Pacific antiques and traditional artwork.
Its extensive collection is dominated by the themes of Balinese culture and life. You can find the works of Balinese painter, Nyoman Gunarsa, and Javanese artist, Raden Saleh, as well as paintings by Aloi Pilioko and Nicolai Michoutouchkine. Read more
Location: Complex Bali Tourism Development Corporation / ITDC Area Block P, Benoa, South Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +62 (0)361 774935
Museum Pasifika Bali
9. Museum Yadnya
A fascinating look into religious rituals
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
As part of the Mengwi Temple, Museum Yadnya is devoted to Balinese religious and traditional ceremonies. It displays beautiful exhibits related to Hindu rituals that are categorized into specific sections.
One of its most popular exhibits is of the Panca Yadnya ceremony. This ritual involves 5 spiritual dimensions: “Pitra Yadnya” which is an act of worship to honor ancestral spirits, “Manusa Yadnya”, a ceremony symbolizing parental love, “Rishi Yadnya” to honor saints, and “Bhuta Yadnya” to show respect and care for all living entities. The museum was established in 1979 and is a popular and atmospheric destination.
Location: Jalan Ayodya, Mengwi, Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Open: Monday–Friday from 8.30 am to 5 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Phone: +62 (0)361 9009270
Museum Yadnya
10. Museum Nyoman Gunarsa
The museum of one of Bali’s most admired artists
Good for: History, Photo
Museum Nyoman Gunarsa is a large art museum dedicated to one of Bali’s most prominent painters. Also called the Museum Seni Lukis Klasik, it spans 3 floors, 2 of which are the main galleries displaying in-house artwork. One of the floors focuses on displaying masterpieces by local and international guest artists.
The Nyoman Gunarsa museum’s collection includes 250 paintings that were created over 15 years, traditional Balinese statues, shadow puppets, and ornate, ceremonial daggers dating back to the 16th century (“kris”).
Location: Jalan Raya Banda No.1, Banjarangkan, Takmung, Klungkung, Bali 80716, Indonesia
Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +62 (0)366 22255
Museum Nyoman Gunarsa
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