You might think that going to the temples in Bali is the best way to learn the history of the island. And while it can give added context and nuance, museums are certainly the best place to go to learn. Museums in Bali are made for various different reasons—from preserving art, showcasing artifacts, and even re-telling history.
There is a great selection of museums you can find in Bali. There are museums made by prominent artists to showcase their art in many forms, such as paintings, sculptures, and textiles.
Or you can step back into the past in a museum of archaeological findings. Witness the great tools and blades used from the Palaeolithic and pre-Hindu Bronze ages for yourself.
In all these museums, you’re guaranteed to get hands-on learning experience.
Learn more about the many beautiful museums in Bali here, some of them can even put Balinese beaches to shame!
Read Also: How to Choose the Type of Accommodation in Bali That Suits You
7 Museums in Bali You Should Never Miss
1. Agung Rai Museum of Art
Source: Manajemen via Trip Advisor
Location: Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571
The museum was built in 1996 as a form of commitment to preserving and developing Balinese art and culture.
It showcases various artworks in many styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. The most popular pieces include works done by Balinese masters I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, Ida Bagus Made, and I Gusti Made Deblog.
On top of that, the museum also acts as a space for people to develop different modes of art such as sculpting, dancing, and many others. That’s why you’ll likely find special exhibitions.
You can even visit the library and get hands-on experience through various painting classes, cultural workshops, and training programs.
2. Neka Art Museum
Source: ayobali.net
Location: Jalan Raya Sanggingan Campuhan, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Built in 1976, the museum offers many art pieces to help you learn more about the development of Bali’s visual arts. The collections are spread out into different pavilions inside the museum.
One of them was built in honor of a late Balinese sculptor and architect, I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, which showcases his unique paintings.
Another pavilion has contemporary paintings on display while another is entirely dedicated to photography. You can see authentic black-and-white photos from the 1930s there.
3. Blanco Renaissance Museum
Source: Taguelmoust via commons.wikimedia.org
Location: Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
The museum is made in honor of world-famous Philippine artist, Don Antonio Bolanco. It was initially the official residence of the artist before it got turned into a museum.
The museum is home to various poems, paintings, illusions, and illustrations made by the maestro and his son, Mario. He was especially known for the nude Balinese women in his artworks.
Aside from the many artworks you can see, you can also admire the lush valley of Campuhan. After you’re done, find some souvenirs at the gift shop or have some quality time with your travel partners at the cafe.
Read Also: A Simple Guide About What and Where to Buy Local Souvenirs in Bali
4. Ubud Diary
Source: nowbali.co.id
Location: Jl. A.A. Gede Rai No.550, Lodtunduh, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
One of the latest additions to Bali’s amazing museums, this art gallery opened recently in late November 2019.
It was made after the realization that today’s generation has seemed to forget one of the most fundamental parts of Balinese art history. That is, the Ubud style painting.
Its main mission is to promote the Ubud style of painting and revive the Ubud School of Painting. That’s why you will find a great selection of Ubud-style paintings from over 20 distinguished Ubud-style artists here.
5. Setia Darma
Source: nowbali.co.id
Location: Jalan Tegal Bingin, Banjar Tengkulak Tengah, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80582
The museum was built in 2006 and is the home to various kinds of masks and puppets from many regions of Indonesia, even around the world!
There are more than 1,300 masks and 5,700 puppets you can find here, all made in great detail and with historical value.
Among those are the famous wayang kulit (characters made of leather for shadow puppetry), wayang golek (wooden puppets), and masks for traditional dances.
Not only will you see Indonesian masks but also African and Japanese masks, along with some puppets from China, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
On top of that, you can enjoy the scenic paddy landscape and tropical gardens surrounding the museum. When you come at the right time, the outdoor area is sometimes used as the site of various performances.
6. Rudana
Source: hotels.com
Location: Jl. Cok Rai Pudak, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
This unique museum incorporates human devotion to God, with each building incorporated with symbols associated with this devotion.
It is made of expansive green gardens and rice fields surrounding the building and is home to a vast collection of artworks.
You can find many paintings in various art styles here, from traditional Balinese art to contemporary paintings.
On top of that, you can also find great carvings and statues such as Prasasti Panca Tan Matra and the Ganesha Statue.
Read Also: Where to Stay for Your Next Bali Glamping Trip
7. Bali Museum
Source: pariwisata.denpasarkota.go.id
Location: Jl. Mayor Wisnu No.1, Dangin Puri, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80232
Built in the early 1930s, this museum is the center of Balinese culture and history. There are four main structures that exhibit different things.
In Tabanan, you can find musical instruments and theatrical masks. Next is Karangasem, where you can find paintings and sculptures.
Third is Buleleng, showcasing textiles and the history behind them. And lastly, Timur where you can find archaelogical artifacts.
The museum has a wide prehistoric object collection. You will find some things you can’t see in other places such as the sarcophagus from the megalithic period and many types of Balinese looms.
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