Bali usually tops every traveler’s bucket list and this is not just because of its beaches. The rich cultural heritage of Bali makes it all the more enticing. While you can chill on the beach and party your nights away, learning about the culture of this beautiful place is the cherry on top. Learning about the art forms and cultural practices of other countries is a lot of fun and museums have been the go-to spots when it comes to displaying works of art in a meaningful and simple way that can be comprehended easily.
Here’s a list of the top museums you should check out on your trip to Bali
1. Agung Rai Museum of Art, Ubud
ARMA was founded by Agung Rai, a Balinese art aficionado in the year 1996. It is so much more than a building that displays art. Agung Rai wanted to ensure that the traditional Balinese art forms are preserved and he has taken extensive steps in making that successful. This museum also holds regular classes for the locals who live in and around Ubud to learn these art forms. Apart from appreciating the different kinds of artwork that has been displayed in the Museum, you can also enjoy different exhibitions, theatre performances, painting classes, music and dance sessions or you could spend some quiet time in the reading rooms or attend seminars.
The art that is displayed in ARMA is very diverse. It ranges from contemporary artwork to traditional pieces that have been preserved since the 30s. You can find masterpieces of Batuan artists, Kamasan collection on tree barks, and ARMA also has exclusive rights to showcase the works of the Javanese artist Raden Saleh and Syarif Bustaman. There is also an extensive collection of artwork done by foreign artists who have contributed to the development of Balinese art. ARMA is definitely one of the most iconic museums to visit in Bali as it takes you through the entire journey of art over the past which is very fascinating.
Details:
Agung Rai Museum of arts, Ubud
Address: Google Maps
Timings: 9 am- 6 pm
Website: http://www.armabali.com/museum/
2. Bali Museum, Denpasar
This is a great place for people who are interested in archeological artifacts. The Bali museum holds a lot of value as it depicts Balinese culture and history. This museum was inaugurated in the mid-’30s, Bali Museum has four principle structures. In Tabanan, guests can see instruments and masks that were used in plays. In Karangasem, works of art and models are in plain view. On the other hand, if you are keen on the locally produced material industry and its history, you can see them in Buleleng.
The articles displayed in this historical center are an assortment of pre-historic objects. They have objects that can be dated back to the megalithic period including stone coffins, bronze sculptures of Buddha and Hindu Gods, eccentric equations, ethnographic items, Stupika earth, numerous antiquated devices, and weapons among numerous others. It additionally houses distinctive Balinese weaving machines and old calendars.
Details:
Bali Museum
Address: Google Maps
Timings: 8 am- 4 pm
3. Le Mayeur Museum, Sanur
Le Mayeur Museum is actually the home of the painter Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres. It is conveniently located right on Sanur Beach, this historical center is an extraordinary example of Balinese designs with exquisite window shades portraying the story from Ramayana. There are five rooms in this house, and every one of the rooms recounts a tale about Ni Pollok, who was the love of his life. The gallery enlivens this romantic tale with objects that have been preserved for everybody to see. Unique old fashioned furnishings, photos from the past, and an extraordinary assortment of stone and wood carvings add that additional homely touch to this exhibition hall. From family home to one of the most celebrated exhibition halls in Bali, Le Mayuer Museum will take you into a wonderland of its own.
As you stroll through each room, you will comprehend the affection and devotion of Le Mayeur for women and arts. His well-known masterpieces are; By the Lotus Pond, Girls on Beach, Garden at Sanur, Women Around the Lotus Pond, Temple Festival in Bali, and many more. With so many different things to display, Ni Poolok’s collection definitely stands out. Le Mayeur’s canvases of Bali are for the most part delineations of regular day to day existence. The Le Mayeur museum not only portrays the history of Bali but stands tall as an important part of the Balinese history in itself.
Details:
Le Mayeur Museum, Sanur
Address: Google Maps
Timings: 8 am- 3:30 pm
4. Bajra Sandhi, Denpasar
As the focal point of a recreation center, Bajra Sandhi Museum shows how astounding and masterful Balinese design truly is. Situated in Denpasar, this is the place you can become familiar with the history and culture of Bali. The exhibition hall is a commitment to the battles of the past and helps people in the future to remember the importance of culture and the need to save it. The site has various dioramas that delineate the political and financial occasions of Bali that date way back in time. The encompassing territories of the historical center is an extraordinary spot for sprinters, cyclists and yoga aficionados to appreciate the way the park has been designed.
One of the significant collections in this gallery is the Bajra, which is used by priests while chanting Mantras. This historical center portrays the Balinese battle against the Dutch pilgrim intrusion. The carvings that depict the struggle that Balinese people went through is what makes it unique. This place is a local favorite which isn’t visited by many tourists so it’s less crowded.
Details:
Bajra Sandhi, Denpasar
Address: Google Maps
Timings: 8 am- 6 pm
5. Neka Art Museum, Ubud
The Neka Art museum was installed in 1976. Balis’s visual arts are beautifully portrayed in this museum. These masterpieces are spread out into various structures inside the exhibition hall. The historical center was established by Pande Wayan Suteja Neka, whom the exhibition hall is named after.
The Lempad Pavilion was inaugurated in appreciation for a late Balinese stone carver and draftsman, I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. This place is loaded with one of a kind styles of painting. The Arie Smit Pavilion was set up in appreciation of Adrianus Wilhelmus Smit, a Dutch-brought into the world Indonesian painter who created beautiful pieces of art in Ubud. The structure comprises of two stories, the first showing crafted by youthful craftsmen who were motivated by Smit, while the subsequent floor includes artwork by Smit himself. The Contemporary Indonesian Art Hall Pavilion has canvases by craftsmen from all over Indonesia, including mesmerizing works by the late Affandi. There is additionally a structure devoted to photography. Here, you can discover a documentation of monochromatic photographs since the 30s taken by Robert Koke.
Details:
Bajra Sandhi, Denpasar
Address: Google Maps
Timings: 9 am- 5 pm
If the history buff in you is all pumped up to visit these museums in person an soak in all of the historical glory and learn about Balinese culture, head over to pickyoutrail.com and craft your own itinerary. You could also choose from a list of Bali travel packages available on their website. Book your vacation to Bali and learn all about this beautiful country!
