Museums and galleries in Bali

Denpasar, the capital city of Bali, houses most of the main municipal museums. These include the excellent Bali Museum on Jalan Letkol Wisnu, and the Museum of Archaeology, on the same road. At Kuta, the Randelli Gallery showcases modern and pop art by young local artists and is the focus of art culture in the Kuta, Legian and Seminyak area.

However, it’s in Ubud where the art and museum culture of Bali makes its main home. The range of galleries and museums here is large and wide, and everything from working artisans who specialise in ancient traditions right up to young artists from Bali and all over the world work and show in Ubud.

The Agung Rai Museum of Art is open every day of the year except for public holidays, and it has a fine and comprehensive collection. All of Bali’s celebrated artists are showcased here including Spies, Affandi and Hofker and the museum makes for a great tour through the centuries of visual art history in Bali.

The Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum on Jalan Raya Campuhan celebrates the life and work of Bali’s most famous artist, Antonio Bianco. The museum is set in parks and gardens and includes the Bianco family temple.

The Blue Moon Gallery is near the associated Studio Blue Moon and is on the main road of Ubud at Jalan Tirta Tawar. Work created by young artists at the studio is then presented and sold at the gallery. Some of Bali’s up and coming artists are represented at Blue Moon, so collectors may want to get in quick.

The Gaya Fusion of Senses is a major new space that houses large installations and sculptures as well as regular exhibitions from local and international artists. The Komaneka Gallery is close to the Monkey Forest and presents the work of well known Balinese artists who presently work and sell in other countries.

The Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women does just what its name suggests – presents a showcase of art created by Balinese women. The gallery subsidises funding and training of female Balinese painters and sculptors. The nearby Sika Contemporary Art Gallery always buzzes with opening nights and exhibitions from emerging local artists.