You don’t need to be an art buff to fall in love with the Le Mayeur Museum. Nestled just steps from Sanur Beach in Denpasar, this was once the home and studio of Belgian painter Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merprès and his model and wife, Ni Nyoman Pollok.
Over the years, he created dozens of vibrant impressionist works here, many inspired by Bali’s daily life, sunlight, sea, and his Balinese muse. In 1957, his house and collection were gifted to Indonesia, and the museum opened.
Where Is Le Mayeur Museum?
Le Mayeur Museum is located just off Sanur Beach Street Walk, a stone’s throw from Sanur Beach.
Address: 87G7+2FV, Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
How To Get There:
- Taxi/Ride Hailing App – A taxi hailing app like Grab or Gojeck is one of the easiest ways to get to Sanur, even if you’re coming from the western areas of Kuta and Canggu. The price is right, and you’ll have no issue getting one back from Sanur.
- Private Car & Driver – If you’re coming from further away and would like to make a full day out, then you’d be best to hire a private car and driver. The driver can watch your belongings while you’re inside, take you to other locations, then take you home again.
- Motorbike or Scooter Hire – It may be tempting to hire a motorbike or scooter, so you can explore at your own pace, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be fully legal to ride, and the roads in Bali can be testing, even dangerous. Don’t ruin your holiday!
- Walk – If you’re already staying in Sanur, and you feel like getting outside, then take a walk to Le Mayeur Museum. You’ll be surprised how much more you see and find when you’re on two feet.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Le Mayeur Museum?
Yes, there’s a small entrance fee to get into the Le Mayeur Museum, and it goes towards helping to preserve the collection and gardens.
Prices are very affordable, so it’s not going to break the bank, and it’s free for young kids. For art lovers, the chance to step inside the artist’s house and see the collection up close is well worth the ticket.
Bring a little extra cash in case you’d like to pick up a souvenir or photo pass.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Le Mayeur Museum?
The museum is open year-round, but mornings are usually the most relaxed time to visit Le Mayeur Museum.
Sanur is a quiet fishing village at heart, and if you arrive earlier in the day, you’ll miss the heavier heat and the small crowds that sometimes drift in. The light is also softer, which makes the gardens and artworks feel even more atmospheric.
Weekdays are quieter than weekends, so if you want that reflective vibe, plan accordingly.
What To Expect At Le Mayeur Museum?
At Le Mayeur Museum, don’t expect a huge modern gallery. Instead, it’s more like stepping into the artist’s world.
The house itself is a beautiful example of Balinese architecture, with carved wooden doors, shaded courtyards, and peaceful gardens. Inside, you’ll find Le Mayeur’s impressionist paintings displayed alongside traditional Balinese artifacts and personal belongings.
Le Mayeur Museum offers a glimpse into the artist’s life, his connection with Bali, his muse Ni Pollok, and the island’s light and culture, all captured on canvas.
Le Mayeur’s paintings were made on a variety of materials, from canvas paper to plywood, each one showcasing the different aspects of his life. The building itself is a spectacle on its own, from the floor tiles to the interesting wooden carvings. Of particular interest are the wooden shutters, adorned with scenes from the Ramayana Epic, such as the legend of Rama and Sita.
Historical Significance Of Le Mayeur Museum
Le Mayeur Museum holds a special place in Bali’s cultural story.
It isn’t just about art, but also about the historical context of Sanur as a haven for international artists. Adrien Jean Le Mayeur’s decision to gift his home and works to Indonesia in 1957 was a gesture of respect and preservation.
Today, the museum stands as a testament to Bali’s role in inspiring creativity and as a reminder of how art can preserve a way of life, showing visitors a slice of Bali from a quieter time.
Who Was Adrien Jean Le Mayeur?
Adrien Jean Le Mayeur was a Belgian painter who travelled widely through Europe, Africa, India, and other parts of the world before finally settling in Bali in the 1930s.
He fell in love with the island and its people, especially the beauty and grace of Balinese women, which became central to his impressionist paintings. Sanur became his base, where he turned his home into both a studio and a gallery.
His works capture not just Bali’s landscapes, but also the spirit and elegance of its culture.
Ni Pollok
Ni Nyoman Pollok, or simply “Ni Pollok”, was a beautiful Legong dancer from Bali who became both Le Mayeur’s muse and his wife. She is the inspiration for and appears in many of his most famous paintings, representing not only her personal grace but also the essence of Balinese women as seen through his eyes.
Their marriage was also a deep connection between two worlds, European impressionism and Balinese tradition. Visitors today can still feel her presence in the museum, both in the artworks and in the house she once called home.
Where To Eat Near Le Mayeur Museum?
There are a ton of places to eat in this beach town, and we checked out a few near the museum.
Warung Mak Beng
This is the spot if you’re looking for authentic Balinese seafood. The quality and flavours here are amazing, and it’s hugely popular with tourists and locals alike.
Where Is It? Jalan Hang Tuah No.45, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Jl. Hang Tuah No.51, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Batubata Grillery Steakhouse
There’s a lot on the menu here, but the focus is on flame-grilled meat. Only go here if you have a huge appetite; we could’ve sat and eaten for hours.
Where Is It? Jl. Hang Tuah No.27, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227, Indonesia
Online: Batubata Grillery Steakhouse
Sunari Street Food
A Chinese-style street food restaurant. The staff here are amazing, some of the best service we’ve had on the island, and the food is amazing. We’ll definitely visit again next time we’re in Sanur.
Where Is It? 87G5+4GF, Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Where To Stay Near Le Mayeur Museum?
There are loads of hotels in Sanur, as it’s a popular beach resort town, albeit quieter and more serene than the west coast. If you decide to stay there for a few nights, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are a few in the direct area of the museum.
Getsemani Guest House Sanur
This guesthouse is kind of basic, but it’s also very clean, comfortable, and the price is right.
If you just need somewhere to get your head down for a few nights, this is the place. It’s only a few minutes walk from the museum and the beach.
Where Is It? No.86 C, Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227, Indonesia
Online: Getsemani
OYO 1930 Ananda Beach Hotel
Part of the OYO group, this beachfront hotel has a stylish vibe inside, mixing elements of the OYO theme with its own unique style.
As soon as we walked into the lobby, the Balinese architecture stood out.
Where Is It? Jl. Hang Tuah No.51, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227, Indonesia
Online: OYO Rooms
Bali Beach Hotel
If you’re looking for a bit of 5-star splurge, then this is the place. Luxury room with balconies, direct beach access and a large beachside swimming pool.
Where Is It? Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227, Indonesia
Online: Bali Beach Sanur
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Explore Le Mayeur Museum?
Most people spend around an hour at Le Mayeur Museum, though you could easily stay longer if you really want to take in all the details.
The galleries are small but packed with character, and the lush gardens outside are worth a wander too. If you’re someone who likes to linger over paintings or get a sense of place, allow up to two hours so you’re not rushing.
Can You Take Photos Inside Le Mayeur Museum?
Yes, you can generally take photos inside Le Mayeur Museum, and most visitors do. Just remember to keep your flash switched off, as the artworks and the building itself are sensitive to light.
A few rooms may have restrictions, so it’s always polite to double-check with the staff when you arrive. The tropical light streaming through the windows makes for some beautiful shots, especially of the Balinese-style interiors and garden views.
Is Le Mayeur Museum Air Conditioned?
No, Le Mayeur Museum doesn’t have air conditioning, as it’s set inside a traditional Balinese home. This adds to its charm but also means it can get warm, particularly in the middle of the day.
The high ceilings and open-air design help a little with airflow. If you’re someone who prefers to avoid the heat, it’s best to visit in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sun isn’t so strong.
Final Thoughts On The Le Mayeur Museum?
Le Mayeur Museum feels more like visiting someone’s home than a formal gallery, which is part of its appeal.
The collection may be small, but the atmosphere is intimate, offering a glimpse of Sanur in a quieter time. It’s a rewarding stop for travellers looking to balance Bali’s energy with something reflective and timeless.
