Museums in Bali: From Art to Archaeology

On an island where beaches and sunsets often steal the spotlight, it’s easy to overlook another beautiful side of Bali — its art and culture.

One of the best ways to experience it is by visiting the island’s many museums.

We’ve put together a guide to help you discover a deeper side of Bali, to better understand its people, and to catch a glimpse of that elusive, almost tangible “something” that makes this place so unique — and so easy to fall in love with.

Let’s start with the Puri Lukisan Museum in Ubud — Bali’s historic center of art and one of its finest museums.

The museum complex consists of six buildings filled with traditional Balinese paintings and exquisite carved wooden sculptures.

Founded in 1956, it houses about 150 paintings and 62 sculptures, many of which were once part of the former King of Ubud’s personal collection.

Among the highlights are works by I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, a renowned painter, sculptor, and architect, along with wayang-style paintings and a variety of artistic movements that reflect the evolution of Balinese art.

Opening hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Website 

Entrance fee: 80,000 IDR

To dive deeper into Bali’s history and culture, a visit to the Bali Museum in Denpasar is a must.

It consists of four buildings, each dedicated to a different theme, showcasing the island’s rich past.

Here, you’ll find prehistoric artifacts like ancient hunting tools and even an authentic sarcophagus.

Other exhibitions feature Balinese coins, chili art depicting Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice, and the famous Balinese kris daggers.

Housed in a former royal palace of Denpasar, the museum’s traditional architecture adds a special atmosphere to the experience.

Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Entrance fee: 5,000 IDR

The Bali Archaeological Museum — also known as Gedong Arca Museum — is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

It houses over 3,000 artifacts that tell the story of the island’s past, from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age.

Among the highlights are numerous ancient sarcophagi and a full-scale replica of the famous “Moon of Pejeng” — a bronze drum found in the Penataran Sasih Temple, dating back to 300 BC.

These and other relics make the museum a perfect place to explore Bali’s early history.

Location 

Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Entrance fee: 100,000 IDR

Founded in 1996 by Agung Rai, a Balinese man dedicated to preserving local traditions, ARMA is more than just an exhibition space — it’s a cultural hub.

The museum’s two main buildings include exhibition halls, a performance theater, and picturesque spaces between the galleries.

It hosts workshops, art classes, and offers a library and bookstore dedicated to Balinese art.

Unique exhibits include bark paintings in the Kamasan style and a collection of works by international artists.

Surprisingly, the museum also features a hotel and villa complex where guests can stay — including special offers for the Nyepi Day of Silence.

Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entrance fee: 150,000 IDR (free for children)

This unusual museum in Ubud was once the home of eccentric artist Don Antonio Blanco.

Here, alongside breathtaking views of the city, you’ll find his bold, colorful paintings that merge Balinese and Western artistic traditions.

Visiting his former residence adds a unique dimension to the experience.

The museum’s website offers a perfect introduction:

“Blanco, perhaps the most famous and successful artist to ever live in Bali, built his magnificent studio atop a mountain overlooking the Campuhan River.

This extravagant building — a unique blend of Balinese and Spanish architecture — houses a fascinating collection of works spanning different periods of his long career.”

During his lifetime, hundreds of visitors from around the world came daily to meet him.

Nicknamed “Fabuloso Blanco” for his charismatic Catalan charm, the artist left behind a vibrant legacy.

Location 

Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entrance fee: 100,000 IDR

Located in Nusa Dua, Museum Pasifika goes beyond local Balinese culture, bringing together artworks from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Its collection features over 600 works by artists from 25 countries, including Indonesian masters and European painters inspired by Indonesia.

The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, thematic shows, and interactive events.

Visitors can also participate in art classes, dance workshops, batik making, and even perfume creation.

In short — this is not a museum in the traditional sense; it’s an active cultural experience.

Location 

Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entrance fee: 90,000 IDR

Located in Kintamani, this museum is dedicated to Bali’s volcanic origins — and specifically to Mount Batur.

If you’ve ever wondered how paradise islands are formed, this is the place to visit.

Interactive exhibits explain volcanic activity, the local flora and fauna, and the importance of preserving Bali’s natural landscapes.

Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Entrance fee: 10,000 IDR

This museum was once the home of Belgian painter Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur, who fell in love with Bali — and with his muse, Ni Pollok, who later became his wife.

His paintings capture everyday life on the island and are showcased in an authentic setting by Sanur Beach.

With its traditional architecture and distinctive interior, the museum offers a unique glimpse into Bali’s artistic past.

Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Entrance fee: 100,000 IDR