From the 11th century, Bali was the centre for creative people and artists in all disciplines. From traditional Balinese paintings like Kamasan to modern artworks created by Western artists settled in Bali in the early 1930s.
And despite what you may think, not all of the art galleries in Bali are in Ubud! There are great museums and galleries all across the island.
If you want to explore the artistic excellence of Balinese and Indonesian artists, here are the best art galleries in Bali.
Summary: Best Art Galleries In Bali, Editors’ Choice
- The best traditional art museums are Museum Pasifika and ARMA.
- For modern art, visit SUN Contemporary or Nyaman Gallery.
Going into museums, it is best to have a guide. Sometimes there are no proper signs or information, and when there is, it is often in the Indonesian language.
Must-Visit Art Galleries & Museums In Bali
1. Museum Pasifika, Nusa Dua
Traditional museum, how we understand it – 11 sections, a lot of arts and crafts (600+) from different eras created in the Asia Pacific region. To explore the whole space, you will need about 3 hours.
The only gallery in Bali with a proper audio guide to help you better understand the island’s history, Balinese art and its cultural significance.
You will also find many works by internationally acclaimed painters like Matisse or Walter Spies, who ventured far from Europe to create some of their best works.
The entrance fee is 90,000 IDR (9 AUD).
Where Is It? Complex Bali Tourism Development Corporation / ITDC Area Block P, Benoa, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
2. Semar Kuning Artist Cooperative, Ubud
Located just outside central Ubud, this stunning Balinese compound unites many local artists and allows them to show and sell their art.
You can meet artists here, chat with them, and find out what best suits your style: landscapes, portraits, something spiritual, or portraits.
Where Is It? Jl. A.A. Gede Rai No.8, Lodtunduh, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
3. SUN Contemporary, Pererenan
SUN is a true hidden gem tucked behind a popular restaurant! A recently opened small art gallery dedicated to contemporary art, SUN regularly hosts events, rotates exhibitions, and always brings in unique art.
They invite both international and local artists. The main focus of the gallery is paintings and sculptures.
Where Is It? 133b, Jl. Pantai Pererenan, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
4. Museum Nyoman Gunarsa, Klungkung
Nyoman Gunarsa is one of the most prolific and famous Balinese artists, and this museum is an underrated gem.
Massive traditional Balinese gates greet you, then you proceed into the compound, where you can marvel at more than 200 paintings from the artist.
Many artworks and crafts depict everyday life, Balinese ceremonies, traditional dance performances, and one pavilion is fully dedicated to wood carvings, from intricate doorframes to figurines.
Where Is It? Jl. Pertigaan Banda No. 1, Takmung, Banjarangkan, Takmung, Kec. Klungkung, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80716, Indonesia
Online: N/A
5. Blanco Renaissance Museum, Ubud
Blanco Renaissance Museum is a house, studio, and art gallery were built by and dedicated to “Balinese Dali” – Antonio Mario Blanco. This Spanish-Filipino artist came to Bali in and was fascinated by the exotic nature, and, especially, Balinese women, which you will find proof in his numerous works.
There is even an interactive display – the hologram of the artist, a movie about his journey, and parrots to take pictures in the garden with.
The entrance fee is 100,000 IDR (10 AUD).
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Blanco Museum
6. Museum Le Mayeur, Sanur
Andrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpes was a Belgian artist who came to Bali in the early 1930s and stayed for good, completely falling in love with Balinese culture.
The small museum is his late house and studio, unfairly underrated and overlooked by tourists.
His work topics were mostly beach scenes, the day-to-day life of Balinese Hindus, and, of course, stunning Balinese women.
Where Is It? 87G7+2FV, Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Online: N/A
7. Nyaman Gallery, Seminyak
This Seminyak gallery promotes emerging artists from Bali and across the world and exhibits the widest spread of art for sale, from jewellery to paintings and sculptures.
If you’re not looking to buy, you should still visit! There are so many curious crafts and wearables on display here, from wood, bones, textiles, shells, and bronze.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Basangkasa No.88, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
8. SAKA Museum, Uluwatu
One of the newest museums in Bali, SAKA, located within AYANA resort, is fully dedicated to one of the most magical days in Bali – Nyepi, aka Silence Day (New Year celebration for Balinese).
First of all, the architecture of the building is already a masterpiece. Inside, you will find real-size Ogoh-Ogoh monster sculptures made for the New Year’s Eve parades and learn about the Balinese calendar, irrigation system (subak) and more.
The tickets are 300,000 IDR (30 AUD). This museum is wheelchair-friendly, unlike most of the attractions in Bali.
Where Is It? Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: SAKA Museum
9. Museum Seni Batuan (Batuan Art Museum), Gianyar
A hidden gem in Gianyar to discover another traditional Balinese painting style – Batuan. Batuan paintings mostly use black and white and create very “busy”, very detailed compositions.
The main topics are daily life and Balinese myths. Just a few families still preserve this style today.
Where Is It? C77J+P3F, Batuan, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Online: N/A
10. The Museum Lukisan Sidik Jari, Denpasar
This is one of the most fascinating museums in Bali, as all the artworks here are created without using a single brush – only fingers! And before you think it, these works look nothing like kids’ finger painting!
Detailed, atmospheric landscapes, religious and lifestyle paintings are all absolutely unique and stunning.
Where Is It? Jl. Hayam Wuruk No.201, Sumerta Kelod, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80239, Indonesia
Online: N/A
11. Museum Rudana, Gianyar
This massive art museum is actually a private collection of Nyoman Rudana, a Balinese art collector passionate about Indonesian and Balinese art.
You will find so many intricate items, from traditional puppets to musical instruments and, of course, canvas paintings.
The Rudana Fine Art Gallery has existed since the early 70s and currently has more than 8,000 items in its collection, including some of the artistic styles underrepresented elsewhere, like the Pengosekan (bright floral and animal works) art style.
Where Is It? Jl. Cok Rai Pudak No.44, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
12. Museum Pendet, Ubud
This art gallery is dedicated to the work of the famous Balinese art family of Wayan Pendet.
You’ll find here traditional Balinese wood-carved statues, household items, masks, paintings, old photos and bits and pieces of history.
Where Is It? Jl. Nyuh Bojog No.6, Mas, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
13. Museum Puri Lukisan, Ubud
Museum Puri Lukisan is the oldest art museum in Bali (1956) and educates visitors about traditional Balinese art styles like Kamasan wayang paintings, Ubud and Batuan styles, as well as wood carvings.
Located right next to Ubud Palace, it is a great stop on your walking tour. The four buildings surrounding a garden with a pond display Balinese artworks from the 1600s to modern art.
The entrance fee is 95,000 IDR (9.5 AUD). You’ll need about 2 hours for the visit.
Where Is It? Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
14. Agung Rai Museum Of Art (ARMA), Ubud
One of the main museums in Bali to learn about Balinese and Indonesian art across all disciplines, from dance and music to painting and ceramics.
It is not just a gallery, but a place for workshops, art events, and they even have artist residency programs.
The collection of Rai couple stretches from old tree bark Kamasan paintings to famous Balinese artists like Anak Agung Gede Sobrat or international names like Rudolf Bonnet and Walter Spies.
The entrance fee is about 15 AUD.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
15. Neka Art Museum, Ubud
This art gallery is located in a beautiful Balinese compound and boasts a large collection of Balinese art, from ceremonial daggers to photography.
There are several pavilions with different types of artworks and time periods, and most of the items have little signs, so you can visit without a guide.
Where Is It? G753+2F7, Jl. Raya Sanggingan Jl. Raya Campuhan, Campuhan, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
16. Feliz’Eye Ubud Painting Gallery, Ubud
If you’re looking to buy some contemporary art, Feliz’Eye has an impressive collection of both traditional arts and modern, abstract or surrealistic works from Balinese artists, plus a few curated paintings from Thailand.
Prices start from 1,2 mil IDR (120 AUD).
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Pengosekan Kaja No.102, Mas, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
17. Tonyraka Art Gallery, Ubud
One-of-a-kind Balinese restaurant and art lounge with some of the most quirky and exquisite items showcasing Balinese modern and tribal art from Indonesian islands, carefully collected by Tony Hartawan.
It may look brand new, but the gallery was started by this family in 1968, and since then, they have gathered some amazing antiques dating back to the 18th century.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Mas No.86, Mas, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
18. Setia Darma House Of Masks And Puppets, Ubud
Dance and theatrical performances are inseparable from Balinese art, and this museum is an absolute treasure.
Thousands of dancing ceremonial outfits, masks, and different kinds of traditional puppets – all incredibly colourful and made by hand.
You can see the performances in Ubud, at Uluwatu Temple or during the Bali Arts Festival, but you only get the chance to inspect all the details up close at the museum.
Where Is It? Jalan Tegal Bingin, Banjar Tengkulak Tengah, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Online: Setia Darma House Of Masks And Puppets
19. Threads Of Life, Ubud
Textiles are something Indonesia is very proud of. It is a handicraft still maintained in many islands, including Bali, all preserving techniques, patterns, and done all by hand.
This batik and ikat gallery is one of the best places in Bali you can not only see the different kinds of ikat (the name of textile tradition), including rare antiques, but also buy a piece or learn how to dye fabric.
Where Is It? Jl. Kajeng No.24, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Threads Of Life
20. Ogoh Ogoh Bali Museum, Mengwi
If you want to see Ogoh Ogoh but can’t make it to Bali for Nyepi or don’t want to overpay for tickets to the SAKA museum, visit this little gem of a museum.
The entry is donation-based, and inside you will find impressive full-size figures made by Balinese villagers in previous years for the parades.
Our recommendation is to bring a guide or a local friend; there is no information in English here.
Where Is It? JI.Ayodya No.1 Taman Ayun., Desa Mengwi, Mengwi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Online: N/A
FAQs
How Much Should You Pay For A Painting In Bali?
Depending on the style, status of the painter, and gallery you are buying it from, expect to pay anywhere from 1,000,000 IDR (100 AUD) for a 30×30 painting to 3,000 AUD for a renowned artist or larger painting.
What Art Is Bali Known For?
Traditional Balinese paintings are Kamasan (religious subjects often on tre bark), Batuan (black and white mythical and lifestyle paintings), Keliki (black and white everyday life), as well as dyeing textiles techniques like Batik.
There are many more styles found in small villages, from seashell to wood carvings.
Who Was The Australian Artist Living In Bali?
There were quite a few well-known artists from Australia who lived in Bali, for ex., Donald Friend (Neka Art Museum), or Ian Fairweather and Brett Whiteley, who have a series of works about Bali but haven’t lived here.
Final Thoughts On Best Art Galleries, Bali
Exploring Bali’s art galleries is the perfect way to connect with the island’s culture and centuries of art tradition.
Local artists explored painting, wood, stone, textiles, and created a heritage that goes through generations. Up to you to explore its angles and facets!
