15 Great Museums in Bali

Blanco Renaissance Museum 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, café and the Blanco’s family temple within the premise. The café has a cosy Balinese atmosphere and serves European and Asian dishes.

Dream Museum Zone (DMZ) Bali is a fun and interactive art gallery in Kuta. It has around 120 paintings spread across several differently themed galleries. Parodies of famous portraits like Mona Lisa carrying a fruit basket and Van Gogh using shaving foam are some of the museum’s highlights. 

You can also find amusing animal-themed paintings – with the right angle, you’ll look as if you’re hosing down a zebra to wash away its stripes, milking a cow, or escaping a menacing shark attack. Dream Museum Zone’s staff are also helpful in suggesting the best pose and may even help you take photos.

Le Mayeur Museum displays around 80 paintings by Brussels-born painter, Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres (1880–1958). His artworks are categorised by mediums like hardboard, plywood, canvas and paper. 

The main building is where you can visit his former living quarters, which have classical Balinese elements, sculpted stone walls and red terrazzo floor tiles. Carved wood dominates the furnishings, and window sills feature motifs inspired by wayang (shadow puppet) characters.

Ubud's Museum Puri Lukisan has 6 buildings displaying traditional Balinese paintings and woodcarvings. It was founded in 1956 and displays around 150 painting and 62 pieces of sculptures.  Notable exhibits include a series of Balinese paintings, masterworks by I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, and a wayang (traditional shadow puppet character) painting collection. 

The Founders Gallery showcases the museum’s history and temporary exhibitions of local artists’ work. Museum Puri Lukisan is about 150 metres west of Ubud’s community hall, Puri Saren Royal Palace, and the Ubud Art Market.

The Bali Provincial Public Museum has over 10,000 exhibits in separate pavilions. The pavilions’ architectural styling pays homage to Balinese heritage, with stone carvings, bas reliefs and 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 the Bronze Age in Bali, pre-Hindu-era ritual items and contemporary items such as wayang kulit (shadow puppets), theatrical masks, old textiles, costumes and musical instruments.

Museum Rudana in Ubud displays a mix of classical and contemporary Balinese paintings. It was established in 1995 by Balinese art collector Nyoman Rudana and his wife. In a mission to further boost Bali’s art scene, the museum regularly organises 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. Located in Ubud, Museum Rudana is about 3 km southeast of the Ubud Monkey Forest.