27 Best Museums in Bali for History and Art Lovers [with Map]

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Bali’s culture isn’t just something you see in temples or dance performances—it’s carefully preserved in the Bali’s many museums.

From ancient lontar manuscripts in Singaraja to contemporary Balinese art in Ubud’s many galleries, museums in Bali offer a deeper understanding of the island’s rich history, artistry, and traditions.

Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of Balinese royalty at Buleleng Museum or exploring archaeological treasures at Museum Arkeologi, there’s a museum in Bali for every kind of traveler.

Contents
Map of Museums in Bali
Art Museums in Bali
History & Culture Museums in Bali
Nature & Science Museums in Bali
Interactive Museums in Bali
How can I visit museums in Bali?
FAQs about Museums in Bali

Map of Museums in Bali

Art Museums in Bali

Bali has long been a haven for artists, both local and international, and its art museums reflect the island’s deep connection to creativity and tradition. Whether you’re interested in classical Balinese painting, contemporary works, or the eccentric collections of famous expatriate artists, the art museums in Bali provide an inspiring journey through time and style.

Ubud, appropriately known as the artistic heart of Bali, is home to some of the most renowned museums in Bali, but you’ll also find impressive (and niche) collections scattered throughout the island.

These museums not only showcase stunning artworks but also host cultural performances, workshops, and artist-in-residence programs that bring Balinese art to life.

Agung Rai Museum of Art

ARMA - Best Art Museums in Bali

Agung Rai Museum of Art (or ARMA), deserves a top spot on this list for being one of the more popular museums in Bali. ARMA is a cultural hub dedicated to preserving Balinese and Indonesian Art.

The collection contains a wide range of paintings, including works by legendary Indonesian artists. Aside from the art, ARMA is a center for cultural performances, workshops, and artist residencies. With its lush gardens and traditional architecture, it’s a wonderful, serene museum to visit.

Museum Puri Lukisan

Museum Puri Lukisan - Bali Museum in Ubud

Puri Lukisan is the oldest art museum in Bali and holds an essential place in Bali’s culture. It was established in 1956 and specializes in showcasing traditional Balinese paintings and wood carvings, offering a deep diving into Bali’s artistic evolution.

Located a short walk from Ubud Water Palace, the collection at Museum Puri Lukisan is divided into different styles, from classical Kamasan wayang paintings, to the more modern Ubud and Batuan styles. It’s a must-visit for those who want a deeper understanding of Balinese artistry.

  • 📍 Location: Jalan Raya Ubud, Gianyar
  • ⏱️ Opening hours: 9 am – 6 pm, daily
  • 🎟️ Entrance fee: IDR 95,000 (adult), Under 15: Free

Neka Art Museum

Neka Art Museum Ubud - Best Museums in Bali
Credit: @boediwidjaja

This museum was named after its founder, Suteja Neka. Based in Ubud, this is one of the museums in Bali that feature an extensive collection of Balinese and Indonesian art.

Neka Art Museum’s collection highlights contemporary works, different artistic styles, photography, and traditional ceremonial daggers, making it an excellent destination for those interested in both classic and modern interpretations of Balinese culture.

Blanco Museum

Blanco Museum - Best Museums in Bali

The Blanco Renaissance Museum is dedicated to the flamboyant Spanish-Filipino artist, Antonio Blanco. Often called the ‘Dali of Bali,’ Antonio was known for his surreal and sensual paintings, many of which depict Balinese women.

The museum is his former home and is located in Ubud, opposite the entrance of Campuhan Ridge Walk. Visitors can explore his mansion and studio to get a glimpse into his creative process.

Museum Rudana

Museum Rudana - Best Museums in Bali

One of the major art museums in Bali, Museum Rudana houses an impressive collection of Balinese, Indonesian, and international artworks. It was established by Balinese art collector, Nyoman Rudana.

The three-story museum (which is also a fine art gallery) serves as a venue for emerging artists, amking it a dynamic space where history meets modern creativity.

  • 📍 Location: Jl. Cok Rai Pudak No.44
  • ⏱️ Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm, daily
  • 🎟️ Entrance fee: IDR 50,000
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Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Center

Werdhi Budaya Art Centre - Best Museums in Bali Denpasar

This is more of a cultural complex than a traditional museum. It’s located in Denpasar and hosts various exhibitions, performances, and festivals throughout the year – including the famous annual Bali Arts Festival.

Within the complex, you can find several galleries displaying traditional Balinese paintings, textiles, and sculptures. If you’re visiting during a festival, expect live dance performances and art demonstrations – a great spot to experiences Bali’s cultural vibrancy.

Museum Pendet

Museum Pendet Ubud - Best Museums in Bali

Dedicated to the famous family of Balinese artists, The Pendet Family, Museum Pendet is a hidden gem showcasing traditional Balinese art. It’s a small, private museum so don’t expect an elaborate gallery.

  • 📍 Location: Jl. Nyuh Bokog No.6, Mas, Ubud
  • ⏱️ Opening hours: 12 pm – 5 pm, Tues – Sun
  • 🎟️ Entrance fee: Free

Museum Seni Batuan

Batuan Art Museums in Bali

If you love intricate and detailed art, Museum Seni Batuan (Batuan Art Museum) is a must-visit. This Bali museum focuses on the Batuan art style, know for its dense, dark and highly detailed compositions that often depict scenes from Balinese mythology and daily life. It holds a unique place among museums in Bali.

Museum Nyoman Gunarsa

Nyoman Gunarsa Musem - Best Museums in Bali

Located in Klungkung just outside of Semarapura, this museum highlights the works of Nyoman Gunarsa, one of Bali’s most famous contemporary painters.

His art is a fusion of traditional Balinese themes with bold modern expressionism, making this one of the more distinctive museums in Bali.

You’ll find a vast collection of over 250 paintings that were created over a 15-year period. Aside from paintings, there are several displays of shadow puppets (Wayang), historical artifacts, and Balinese statues.

Museum Le Mayeur

Museum Le Mayeur - Best Museums in Bali

Museum Le Mayeur or Le Mayeur Museum is located in Sanur, Bali. This is a charming seaside gallery that was once home to the Belgian painter Andrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpes. He arrived in Bali in 1932 and was captivated by the island’s beauty and culture, leading him to settle here.

Fingerprint Painting Museum

Fingerprint Painting Museum in Denpasar

The Museum Lukisan Sidik Jari, or simply Fingerprint Painting Museum, is one of Denpasar’s most underrated art gems. The museum houses an eclectic collection of paintings created entirely using fingerprint techniques – no brushes!

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History & Culture Museums in Bali

Bali’s rich cultural heritage is best explored through its many history and culture museums. These museums in Bali offer a deep dive into the island’s ancient traditions, religious customs, and royal legacies.

Whether you’re interested in traditional Balinese law, the evolution of art and performance, or unique local rituals, these museums provide fascinating insights into Bali’s past and present.

Bali Museum

Bali Museum in Denpasar
Museum in Bali Denpasar

Located in Denpasar, close to Badung Market (Bali’s largest traditional market), Bali Museum is the best place to get a comprehensive overview of the island’s history, culture, and art. Its collection includes ancient artifacts, textiles, traditional Balinese weapons, and ceremonial objects making it one of the most essential museums in Bali.

Samsara Living Museum Bali

Samsara Living Museum - Best Museums in Bali

Located a short drive from Tirta Gangga in East Bali, this is an interactive museum that allows visitors to experience Balinese traditions firsthand. Here, you can take part in daily rituals, craft your own Canang Sari offerings, and learn about Bali’s healing techniques.

The museum also provides hands-on workshops in traditional Balinese music and dance, making it an engaging experience for all ages. It’s a great addition to the growing list of cultural museums in Bali, offering a unique way to connect with the Bali’s heritage.

The Ogoh Ogoh Bali Museum

Ogoh-Ogoh Museum - Best Museums in Bali

Dedicated to Ogoh-Ogoh statues, giant demonic effigies used during Nyepi, Bali’s annual Day of Silence. This museum sits just outside the entrance of Taman Ayun Temple.

It showcases some of the most impressive Ogoh-Ogoh statues and explains their cultural significance. It’s one of the only musuems in Bali that highlights this unique Balinese tradition.

Setia Darma Puppet House

Traditional mask at Setia Darma house of mask and puppets

The Setia Darma Puppet House or formally known as the Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets, is a unique museum that houses over 1,300 masks and 5,700 puppets from Indonesia and around the world.

It offers a fascinating dive into Bali and Indonesia’s storytelling traditions and one of the most interesting museums in Bali. It’s also one of the best free things to do in Ubud!

Gedong Kirtya Museum

Gedong Kirtya - Best Museums in Bali

Also known as Bali Lontar Museum, the Gedong Kirtya Museum is located in Singaraja, North Bali. This is a hidden gem for history and literature lovers. It’s also the only lontar manuscript library in the world.

The museum is home to thousands of Balinese, Javanese, and Sanskrit texts written on lontar palm leaves, some dating back hundreds of years. The texts cover everything from Balinese myths, history, and religion, to medicine, law, and black magic – yes there are spells documented).

  • 📍 Location: Jl. Veteran, Buleleng
  • ⏱️ Opening hours: 8 am – 4 pm, Mon-Fri
  • 🎟️ Entrance fee: Free (optional donation)

Buleleng Museum

Museum Buleleng - Best Museums in Bali

About 50 meters away from Gedong Kirtya Museum is this small but historically rich museum. The Buleleng Museum showcases artifacts, historical relics, and cultural heritage primarily from the Buleleng region.

Here you’ll find ancient weapons, traditional textiles, Balinese musical instruments, and Dutch colonial-era artifacts. One of the main attractions is the collection of historical photographs from Singaraja’s past. Hint: Singaraja was once the capital of Bali.

  • 📍 Location: Jl. Veteran No.23, Buleleng
  • ⏱️ Opening hours: 8 am – 4 pm, Mon-Fri
  • 🎟️ Entrance fee: Free (optional donation)

Subak Museum

Dedicated to Bali’s UNESCO-listed irrigation system, this Bali museum explains the importance of Subak in Balinese agriculture and spiritual life. It’s a key institution among museums in Bali for those interested in sustainable farming and water management.

Museum Kertagosa

Semarajaya Museum - Best museums in bali

Located in Klungkung just a short drive from Museum Nyoman Gunarsa, this museum is housed within Lapangan Puputan Klunkung (Klungkung park), which also houses the Klungkung Royal Palace.

Museum Kertagosa (or Semarajaya Museum) allows visits to get a glimpse into the hisotry of past kingdoms in Klungkung. You will also find Kamasan paintings here, as well as statues and sculptures from the past.

Museum Subak Masceti

Not too far from Bali Safari and Marine Park, you’ll find this museum near Masceti Beach. As the name hints, it focuses on preserving and showcasing the Subak rice farming and irrigation system. Keep in mind, it’s a very small museum and it’s mainly used for cultural events.

The Sukarno Center

The Sukarno Center - Best Museums in Bali

This museum is dedicated to Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno (sometimes spelled Soekarno). The center is located in Tampaksiring, just outside of Ubud, and serves as a tribute to his contributions to Indonesia’s independence.

The museum was founded by one of Sukarno’s daughters, to preserve his memory and educate visitors about his role in shaping Indonesia. You’ll find photographs, personal artifacts, and documents related to Sukarno’s life

Museum Arkeologi Bali

Also known as the Gedong Arca Archaeological Museum, Museum Arkeologi is Bali’s main archaeological museum. It’s located in Pejeng just outside of Ubud, a short drive from Goa Gajah Temple.

This is one of the best museums in Bali to find some of the oldest Balinese artifacts – stole tools, sarcophagi, bronze relics, and Hindu-Buddhist statues – some dating back over 2,000 years.

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Nature & Science Museums in Bali

Bali’s natural landscapes aren’t just for sightseeing; they also provide the foundation for some of the island’s most fascinating museums.

From exploring the volcanic history of Mount Batur to discovering the intricate world of butterflies and marine life, these museums in Bali offer an educational and immersive experience for nature and science lovers.

Museum Geopark Batur

Geopark Batur Museums in Bali

Situated in Kintamani near Mount Batur, Museum Geopark Batur provides an in-depth look at Bali’s volcanic activity, geology, and the powerful forces that have shaped the island over millions of years.

Visitors can explore interactive displays on seismic activity, learn about past eruptions, and understand the vital role volcanoes play in Balinese culture and daily life.

The museum also highlights conservation efforts to protect the fragile ecosystems surrounding Mount Batur, making it an essential educational stop among museums in Bali for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Bali Butterfly Park

Bali Butterfly park museum in bali

A living museum of tropical butterflies and insects, this park in Tabanan is a must-visit for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the delicate beauty of these winged creatures.

The butterfly park features a lush, carefully maintained garden filled with colorful flowers that serve as a habitat for dozens of butterfly species. As one of the most vibrant nature-focused museums in Bali, it offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can appreciate the island’s incredible biodiversity.

Bali Shell Museum

Once home to thousands of unique seashells, this quirky museum was a surprising find for marine life lovers. It held a special place among museums in Bali dedicated to natural history. Unfortunately, the Bali Shell Museum is permanently closed down.

Interactive Museums in Bali

Dream Museum Zone

The Dream Museum Zone (DMZ) was a 3D art museum located in Legian, near Kuta. It was a fun, interactive space filled with realistic, hand-painted illusions that let you step into creative scenes. Unfortunately, DMZ is now closed.

Upside Down World Bali

Upside down world bali - Bali Museum

This is less of a museum and more of a photo opportunity spot. It’s one of the quirkier museums in Bali that lets you experience life flipped upside down – quite literally. The entire place is designed to make it look like gravity has lost its grip, with furniture and decor that appear to be stuck on the ceiling.

How can I visit museums in Bali?

By Private Car

The best way to visit multiple museums in one day is by booking a private car and driver. Our friendly drivers are very knowledge with Bali’s roads so you won’t have to stress about navigating the unpredictable traffic congestions. You’ll be in the comfort of your own air-conditioned SUV with the freedom to explore at your own pace.

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By Scooter

If you’re renting a scooter in Bali, this can be a great option for quick museum trips. However, I don’t recommend scooters for long-distance journeys, especially if it’s your first time riding a scooter. Check out Bikago quality scooter rentals.

FAQs about Museums in Bali

These museums in Bali offer more than just exhibits—they’re windows into the Bali’s soul. Whether you’ve explored ancient relics, royal histories, or immersive art spaces, each museum adds another layer to your understanding of Bali’s rich culture.

So next time you’re in Bali, take a detour from the usual tourist spots and step inside a museum. You might just walk away with a deeper appreciation for the island’s past, present, and future.

Are Bali’s museums suitable for children?

Yes! Many museums in Bali are family-friendly and have engaging exhibits for children. Interactive museums like Dream Museum Zone (DMZ) and Upside Down World Bali are especially fun for kids, allowing them to take creative and playful photos.

Nature-focused museums like the Bali Butterfly Park provide hands-on experiences that can be both educational and entertaining for young visitors. However, some history and art museums may have delicate artifacts or quieter environments better suited for older children and adults.

Can I take photographs inside the museums?

Photography policies vary depending on the museum. Many museums in Bali encourage visitors to take photos. Art and history museums, such as Neka Art Museum and Museum Puri Lukisan, often allow photography but may prohibit flash to protect the artworks.

Are guided tours available at Bali’s museums?

Some Bali museums offer guided tours, either as part of the admission fee or for an additional charge. Museums like the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) and Bali Museum provide guided tours that offer deeper insights into the exhibits. Some smaller or privately-run museums may require advance booking for guided tours.

Are there entrance fees to Bali’s museums?

Most Bali Museums charge an entrance fee, but prices vary. Larger institutions like Neka Art Museum and Museum Rudana typically have moderate admission fees, while smaller museums may charge lower fees or accept donations.

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Neil

I’ve been in Bali for so long I’ve grown roots (literally and metaphorically). For the past 10 years, I’ve experienced Bali from every angle. I’ve explored the temples, I’ve tried all the food, and I’m proudly fluent in the Indonesian language. I hope our website helps you get an authentic experience for your holiday in Bali, whether you’re here to enjoy the finer things in life, or to learn more about Bali’s rich culture.

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