Just across from the famous Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud is the Blanco Renaissance Museum – a must-visit destination and among the top things to do in Ubud, especially for art enthusiasts.
The location serves as an art gallery, eccentric sanctuary, and a dedication to the man behind the museum, Don Antonio Blanco, a Spanish-Filipino painter whose personality was just as renowned as his art works.
Visiting the museum isn’t just about seeing his artwork. It’s an experience diving into a world – his realm – of unfiltered creativity. Here’s all you need to know about Blanco Renaissance Museum to consider for an Ubud Day Tour.
The Man behind Blanco Museum
Antonio Maria Blanco, or Don Antonio Blanco, was born in 1912 in Manila, Phillippines. After years of globe trotting – United States, Japan, Cambodia – he ended up in Bali in 1952. And like many of us can relate, including myself, he fell in love with the island’s vibrant culture and exotic atmosphere.
But possibly the biggest catalyst to his choice for settling in Bali – Ni Ronji, a Balinese traditional dancer whom Antonio Blanco fell in love with. She later became his wife and muse, being a common subject of his art.
Blanco, also known as the Dali of Bali, was a Renaissance man in his own right, blending flamboyance and talent to make a name for himself internationally and in Bali. Think of him as Bali’s response to Picasso, with a generous sprinkle of tropical flair.
The Blanco Renaissance Museum
The experience starts the moment you step foot at the entrance of Blanco Renaissance Museum. To say the least, the entrance to the museum is grand – flanked with oversized statues and the sounds of exotic birds cawing in the background.
The museum isn’t just an elaborate art gallery, but also Antonio Blanco’s former residence. Yes, this massive mansion – which is a work of art itself – was his personal home before his passing.
You can immediately notice the blend of Balinese and European styles of architecture, and you’ll get a sense that there was no ceiling to the budget that was spent on creating his luxurious palace. Imagine living here!
The eccentric mansion is filled with details from floor to ceiling (with intricate ceiling murals that are just as dramatic as his art works). Even the doors and windows boast intricate carvings and decor which tell the story that, for Blanco, the opportunity to express yourself is everywhere.
Art at Blanco Renaissance Museum
Let’s discuss the art – because, after all, that’s probably why you’re curious about visiting. The Blanco Renaissance Museum houses an extensive collection of Antonio Blanco’s works. These range from large pieces to more intricate sketches.
A common theme you’ll find is that many of the art often features women – many of which are often topless or sometimes fully nude – set against dramatic, and sometimes surreal backdrops. Some may find his art a bit provocative, but you can still admire his appreciation of femininity.
Another common element you’ll spot is Antonio Blanco’s preference of bold reds, golds, and blues. His style often includes intricate details and flowing lines, pulling you into the world he conceptualized on canvas.
As your eyes wander outside of the painting borders you’ll notice the elaborate design of the frames, which come close in competing with the artwork themselves. Creativity oozed into every element – art within art!
The Original Studio
One of the main highlights of the Blanco Renaissance Museum is Blanco’s original studio. The studio has been preserved just as he left it. Venturing into this room is like stepping into his mind – paintbrushes scattered everywhere, half-finished art pieces, and colour and creativity on every surface.
Blanco’s studio reflects his eccentricity. There’s a large mirror, quirky sculptures, and even some of his personal notes that iterate his philosophies on art and life. If you even wanted to know what it’s like to explore the inside of the mind of a true creative, this is it.
The Blanco Family Legacy
The Blanco Museum is now managed by Antonio Blanco’s son, Mario Blanco. Mario is an accomplished artist in his own right and his work can be found on display in the museum – providing a fascinating contrast to his father’s style.
While Mario Blanco’s art retains some of the iconic sensual elements of his dad’s work, it’s distinctly his own, with a more modern twist.
The Blanco family’s commitment to preserving his legacy is evident in every corner of the museum – inside and out. From the meticulously curated exhibited to the immaculately maintained property, this clearly isn’t just an art museum but also a passion project.
Blanco Museum Bird Park
A delightful addition to the enchanting property is the mini bird park on the grounds of Blanco Museum. This is a small bird sanctuary and is home to a variety of exotic and tropical birds like macaws and cockatoos.
The birds here are not just for admiring – they’re quite friendly! They can perch on your shoulders and pose for photos. This is a huge bonus if you’re an animal lover.
Cafe at Blanco Museum
You won’t go hungry while exploring the creative mind. After all, having your mind blown over and over can stir up quite the hunger.
Tucked within the lush grounds of Blanco Renaissance Museum sits a restaurant called Plant Bistro. This is a 100% vegan restaurant that offers a diverse planet-based menu.
The food in combination with the ambiance alone makes Plant Bistro worth a separate visit. And no, you don’t need to be vegan to enjoy it. It’s a charming spot, even if it’s just to enjoy a sip of coffee.
Why Visit Blanco Museum?
So I suppose you clicked on this and wondered why should you make time to visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum among your boatload of things to do in Ubud.
For starters, it’s unlike any other art museum you’ve ever visited. This isn’t just about staring at art on a wall. It’s about experiencing it – reliving it in all its over-the-top glory.
Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or simply an art lover, the Blanco Renaissance Museum deinitely has something for everyone. It’s a place where creativity knows no bounds. Plus, let’s be real – who doesn’t want to visit the home of a dude who installed a lotus-flower toilet in his mansion?
Tips for Visiting Blanco Museum
- Arrive early – Mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds that tend to gather after lunch time.
- Dress comfortably – There’s no dress code
- Ask questions – The staff at Blanco Museum are quite friendly and knowledgable.
- Check for events – Events are usually announced via their Instagram page.
- Bring a camera – Hey, if you didn’t take photos, did you really go?
Other Art Museums in Ubud
If you’re an art enthusiast and you’re visiting Ubud, this will be heaven for you. Ubud is home to some of the best art museums in Bali, many of which are aimed at showcasing and preserving Bali’s art and its rich history. Here are some of the best museums in Ubud:
Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)
As another cultural gem in Ubud, the Agung Rai Museum of Art, or ARMA, is a gallery and cultural center where art, history, and tradition come together as one. Here you’ll find a massive collection of contemporary and classical Balinese and (some) International art.
Neka Art Museum
Much like the others, this is another art museum that showcases and impressive collection of traditional and contemporary Balinese works. Founded by art enthusiast, Suteja Neka, the gallery includes sculptures, paintings, and photography. Neka Museum is just a short drive north of Blanco Renaissance Museum.
Museum Puri Lukisan
Less than a km away from Blanco Renaissance Museum is Museum Puri Lukisan, Bali’s oldest art museum. It’s dedicated to showcasing traditional Balinese at and offers a depe dive into Bali’s rich art culture and heritage.
Museum Rudana
Founded by Balinese art collector, Nyoman Rudana, Museum Rudana is an elegant, multi-level building surrounded by lush gardens. Like the previously mentioned museums, it’s also dedicated to showcasing Balinese artistry and creativity.
Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets
This is a one-of-a-kind destination and focuses on bit of a niche. The Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets is dedicated to preserving the centuries-old traditions of masks and puppetry in Indonesia called Wayang. It’s home to over 1,300 masks and 5,700 puppets.
Museum Pendet
Established by a renowned Balinese artist, the late I Nyoman Pendet, this art museum is quite a hidden gem in Ubud and lesser known in comparison to the rest. It’s tribute to his work which includes a collection of sculptures and paintings.
Komaneka Fine Art Gallery
Another art destionation that’s relatively close to Blanco Renaissance Museum. Komaneka Fine Art Gallery focuses primarily on contemporary Indonesian art, modern paintings, and sculptures that cover a wide variety of themes.
FAQs and Additional Info
Can I visit Blanco Museum during an Ubud Day Tour?
Yes! My Ubud Day Tour itineraries are all flexible and you’re free to alter and adjust the destinations to suit your taste. You can leave out any attractions that you’re not interested in and stay as long as you wish at the ones you enjoy.
How much is the entrance fee to Blanco Museum?
The entrance fee to Blanco Renaissance Museum is IDR 100k and can be paid in cash upon entry.
Where is Blanco Museum?
Blanco Renaissance Museum is located on Jl. Raya Campuhan in Ubud – just across the road from Campuhan Ridge Walk and down the street from Saraswati Temple and Ubud Royal Palace.
When is the best time to visit Blanco Museum?
You’re good to visit Blanco Renaissance Museum during any time of year and any day of the week. The most ideal time is morning or early afternoon between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. There might be a small crowd after lunch.
What is an Ubud Art Tour?
An Ubud Art Tour is a curated day tour that takes you to some of the best museums and art villages in and around Ubud. This is perfect for those who are art and culture enthusiasts. Get your camera ready!
Can I eat at Blanco Museum?
There is a stunning cafe within the museum called Plant Bistro. It focuses on a vegan menu with an array of plant-based food and drink options.
Does Blanco Museum have a dress code?
There is no dress code at the museum. Dress comfortably and respectfully.
What else to do in Ubud?
Ubud is Bali’s hub for culture and art, making it one of the best destinations to visit or stay in. I recommend reading my guide on best things to do in Ubud to plan out your itinerary for an Ubud Day Tour.
How to get to Ubud?
Since Ubud is much further away from Bali Airport (in comparison to Seminyak or Nusa Dua), you’ll need to strategize a convenient way of getting there. Go through my tips on Getting from Bali Airport to Ubud.
