The Agung Rai Museum of Art, or ARMA, is one of Ubud’s cultural treasures.
Founded by Agung Rai and officially opened in 1996, the Agung Rai Museum of Art has become a cornerstone of central Ubud’s cultural scene.
Visitors can discover masterpieces of Balinese, Indonesian and foreign artists, celebrating both classical and contemporary art.it’s more than just a gallery – it’s a living celebration of Balinese art and tradition.
From classical paintings to contemporary works, ARMA offers an immersive experience that showcases the island’s rich creative heritage.
Where Is The Agung Rai Museum Of Art?
The Agung Rai Museum of Art is located in the heart of Ubud, in the Mas area of Gianyar Regency, just a stone’s throw from Ubud Palace and the bustling Ubud Art Market.
It’s about a 90-minute drive from the coastal areas of Canggu, Seminyak, or Kuta, making it an easy day trip for anyone looking to escape the beachside crowds and immerse themselves in Bali’s cultural heart.
Address: Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
How To Get There
Getting to the Agung Rai Museum of Art really depends on where you’re coming from and what else you have planned. It’s right in Ubud, so if you’re already staying nearby, it couldn’t be easier.
If you’re further away, like in Canggu, Seminyak, or Sanur, it makes more sense to plan a day trip and combine your visit with other sights around Ubud.
- Grab or Gojek – If you’re in the Ubud area, a taxi-hailing app such as Grab or Gojek is a cheap and reliable way to get there. Drivers are usually easy to find, though you may wait a little longer than in busier tourist spots.
- Private Car and Driver – A great option if you’re coming from further south or want to see more than just the museum. Hiring a driver for the day means you can add other stops like the Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah, or Tegenungan Waterfall. Your driver or hotel can often help you put together a route, making this the most hassle-free choice.
- Motorcycle or Scooter Hire – As tempting as it may be, we don’t recommend hiring scooters. Most visitors aren’t legally covered to ride in Bali, which can cause issues with both the police and insurance. On top of this, traffic in and around Ubud can be stressful, so it’s not worth the risk of letting an accident spoil your trip.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Agung Rai Museum Of Art?
The museum is enjoyable year-round, but for the most comfortable experience the best time of day to visit ARMA is the morning when it’s cooler and less crowded. Bali’s sunny months generally run from April to October, offering pleasant weather to explore the gardens and outdoor sculptures.
During the rainy season (November to March), some outdoor areas may be slippery, but the galleries are sheltered, so it’s still worth a visit. Visiting midweek can also help avoid larger tourist groups and give you more space to enjoy the exhibits at your own pace.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Agung Rai Museum Of Art?
Yes, ARMA has a modest entrance fee that helps support the museum’s upkeep and its cultural programs.
Tickets typically cover access to all permanent galleries and the gardens. Special exhibitions or workshops may have an additional cost, but these are optional and worth it if you want a deeper dive into Balinese art.
Fees are usually affordable for most visitors, and the experience more than justifies the small cost.
What To Expect At Agung Rai Museum Of Art
Visiting the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) is more than seeing a collection of artworks; it’s a fully immersive cultural experience in a vibrant cultural hub.
As you step through the entrance, you’ll be greeted by lush Balinese gardens filled with hidden sculptures, koi ponds, and serene seating areas that invite you to pause and soak in the surroundings.
The carefully curated landscaping encourages a sense of discovery around every corner, from quiet paths lined with tropical plants to small courtyards tucked away behind galleries.
ARMA offers a rich tapestry of Balinese art, classical and contemporary, showcasing Balinese masters alongside Indonesian and foreign artists. Highlights include classical Kamasan painting, works by I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, Anak Agung Gede Sobrat, Ida Bagus, and pieces influenced by German painters Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet. Collections also include works by Batuan artists and 19th century Javanese-inspired pieces.
Throughout your visit, you might encounter painting workshops and cultural workshops, giving insight into various artistic skills and the creative process behind the exhibits. Occasionally, you may even catch traditional dance or theatre performances, which add movement and life to the museum experience.
The museum’s design encourages a gentle pace, allowing visitors to wander, reflect, and engage with the art at their own rhythm. There are plenty of hidden nooks, shaded seating areas, and small sculptures scattered along garden paths, creating moments of surprise and delight at every turn.
The gardens alone are a spectacle, almost feeling like a living entity; plants and pathways breathe life into the art experience. ARMA reflects the ARMA philosophy of connecting life, culture, and artistic expression while continuing to preserve artworks for future generations.
And you needn’t go far if you’re looking for somewhere to eat and sleep here…
Online: ARMA Bali Museum
Special Events And Cultural Performances
ARMA isn’t just about viewing art; it’s a living hub for Balinese culture and community. Throughout the year, the museum hosts special events and cultural activities that bring traditional arts to life, offering visitors a front-row seat to Bali’s vibrant cultural scene. These include theatre performances, live music, and seasonal celebrations that showcase the island’s artistic heritage.
Traditional dance performances are sometimes held in the museum’s courtyards, where dancers in intricate costumes tell ancient stories through movement and music. Visitors often find themselves mesmerised by the fluidity of gestures, the rhythmic drumming, and the rich symbolism woven into each performance.
Occasionally, ARMA hosts cultural festivals or exhibitions highlighting specific art forms, from classical Kamasan painting to contemporary interpretations by Indonesian and foreign artists. These events provide a chance to see Balinese culture as an evolving, dynamic practice rather than a static display.
For those keen on immersive experiences, ARMA also offers participatory activities during certain events, allowing visitors to observe and sometimes join in traditional music, dance, or craft demonstrations. These moments create a deeper connection to the island’s heritage, making a visit to ARMA both educational and truly memorable.
ARMA Tha Restaurant
Tucked within the lush grounds of the ARMA Museum, the ARMA Thai Restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience amidst tranquil surroundings. Whether you’re seeking a light snack or a full meal, the restaurant provides a variety of Thai and Asian dishes, allowing you to savour authentic flavours in a serene setting.
The open-air dining area is surrounded by greenery, which complements the museum’s atmosphere as a centre for Balinese culture and cultural art forms. It’s an ideal spot to relax and recharge before continuing your exploration of the Agung Rai Museum of Art and its permanent exhibitions.
Online: ARMA Bali Thai Restaurant
ARMA Museum & Resort
For those looking to immerse themselves fully in the cultural experience, the ARMA Museum & Resort offers comfortable accommodations within the museum’s grounds. Staying here allows you to enjoy the Museum of Art at your own pace, with easy access to galleries, painting classes, and cultural performances.
The resort provides a peaceful retreat, with rooms designed to blend traditional Balinese aesthetics with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, spa services, and dining options, all within the serene environment of the museum. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, the ARMA Museum & Resort enhances your journey through Bali’s rich cultural heritage.
Online: ARMA Bali
Where To Eat Near The Agung Rai Museum Of Art
If you’re planning to linger in Ubud and the ARMA resort isn’t your thing, no worries. There are plenty of cosy, comfortable places nearby where you can rest, recharge, and easily get back to exploring the museum and its surroundings. Here are some of our favourites.
KOZ Turkish Cuisine Grill & Meze
A solid choice if you’re craving something a little different in Ubud. KOZ serves up fresh Mediterranean flavours, from grilled meats to classic meze plates, all in a relaxed, colourful setting.
It’s perfect for a hearty lunch or a laid-back dinner after exploring ARMA.
Where Is It? Jl. Made Lebah No.36, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Pizza Bagus
This place has been a local favourite for years, and it’s easy to see why. Pizza Bagus dishes out thin-crust pizzas, pasta, and Italian comfort food that hits the spot. It’s casual, reliable, and always buzzing with travellers and locals alike.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Mas, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Pizza Bagus
Twist Ubud
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more creative, Twist is the spot. Their menu mixes Indonesian flavours with international favourites, and the open kitchen adds a fun, lively vibe.
Great for sharing plates, trying something new, and enjoying a relaxed dinner with friends.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Citrus Berry Ubud
Citrus Berry is bright, cheerful, and perfect if you want a mix of Indonesian and Western dishes in a cosy setting.
It’s a great place to grab breakfast or lunch, with fresh juices, tasty rice bowls, and some lighter bites that are easy on the stomach before heading back to the museum.
Where Is It? Jl. Monkey Forest No.9, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Citrus Berry
Where To Stay Near The Agung Rai Museum Of Art
If you’re sticking around Ubud and the museum’s own resort isn’t what you want, don’t worry, there are plenty of great places to stay close by. Here are a few of our favourites.
Agung Raka Resort
Spacious rooms, a peaceful garden, and a lovely pool make this resort a relaxing choice just minutes from ARMA. It’s perfect if you want a bit of calm while still being close to Ubud’s main attractions.
Where Is It?Jalan Raya Pengosekan, Mas, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Agung Raka Ubud
Sabana Ubud
This boutique hotel is known for its warm staff and comfy rooms.
The pool and garden area make it feel like a hidden little oasis, while its central location means you can walk to cafes, shops, and the Monkey Forest in no time.
Where Is It? Jl. Premasanti, Mas, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Sabana Ubud
Guci Guest Houses
If you’re looking for something smaller and more homely, Guci Guest Houses is a great pick. It’s cosy, affordable, and has a real Balinese charm, ideal if you like staying somewhere with a more personal feel.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Guci Bali
MaxOneHotel @ Ubud
For a modern, budget-friendly stay, MaxOne has clean rooms, a rooftop pool, and a cool, youthful vibe. It’s simple but ticks all the boxes if you just need a comfy base for exploring Ubud.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Max One Ubud
FAQs
What Makes The Agung Rai Museum Of Art So Special?
The Agung Rai Museum of Art is more than a gallery; it’s a vibrant cultural hub celebrating Balinese art, tradition, and history.
ARMA combines classical and contemporary masterpieces by Balinese, Indonesian and foreign artists, including works by Ida Bagus and Batuan artists. The museum and the ARMA Foundation strive to preserve artworks and promote the island’s cultural heritage.
The museum showcases works from Balinese masters alongside Indonesian and foreign artists, including pieces influenced by Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet. Visitors can explore classical Kamasan paintings, contemporary works, sculptures, and even performance spaces where traditional dance and theatre performances take place.
ARMA’s lush Balinese gardens and quiet courtyards add to the sense of discovery, creating a rich tapestry of art and culture to explore.
Are There Workshops Or Interactive Experiences At ARMA?
Yes, painting classes, cultural workshops, and traditional dance performances provide insight into various artistic skills. These interactive experiences reflect the museum’s living approach to Balinese culture and performing arts.
The museum frequently hosts cultural performances and traditional dance demonstrations, providing insight into Bali’s living art forms. These hands-on experiences are a highlight for anyone keen to understand the creative processes behind the exhibits and gain a deeper appreciation for local culture
Can You See Both Classical And Contemporary Art At ARMA?
Absolutely. ARMA balances permanent exhibitions of classical Kamasan and 19th-century Javanese-inspired painting, and classical Balinese art, including works by I Gusti Nyoman Lempad and Anak Agung Gede Sobrat, with contemporary pieces by local and foreign artists.
This combination allows visitors to see how Balinese art has evolved over time while preserving cultural traditions. The museum’s collection emphasises the preservation of artworks, storytelling through paintings and sculpture, and the ongoing dialogue between traditional and modern artistic forms.
It’s more than just art; Agung Rai Museum is a fully fledged cultural showdown.
Final Thoughts On The Agung Rai Museum Of Art
Visiting the Agung Rai Museum of Art is an experience that lingers in unexpected ways.
Beyond the impressive collection of Balinese and contemporary art, it’s the atmosphere that stays with you: quiet garden paths, hidden sculptures, and the gentle hum of creativity in every corner.
There’s a sense of discovery around every turn, whether you stumble across a traditional dance rehearsal, a workshop in progress, or a small gallery tucked away among the trees.
ARMA offers a moment to slow down, connect with Bali’s artistic heartbeat, and leave feeling inspired, thoughtful, and more attuned to the island’s cultural richness.
