The oldest art museum
Since 1956.
Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia — CC BY 2.0 · Anandajoti — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Anandajoti — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Anandajoti — CC BY-SA 4.0
Bali's oldest art museum, opened in 1956 at the initiative of Ubud's prince and the Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet to preserve the modern Balinese art that flourished in Ubud in the twentieth century. Its name means palace of paintings, and it stands in a lovely tropical garden of lotus ponds and statues. The collection spreads across several pavilions tracing Balinese painting and sculpture: from traditional Kamasan-style painting with its epic tales, to the Ubud and Pengosekan schools with detail-packed scenes of daily life and nature, fine wood carvings, and drawings by I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. Tickets are around eighty-five thousand rupiah, usually including a drink at the garden cafe. Photography without flash is allowed in most halls. An hour is enough, and it is in central Ubud near the palace and market. The garden alone is worth sitting in after your visit.
Since 1956.
Daily-life detail.
To sit after the visit.
Jalan Raya Ubud, central Ubud
Saraswati Temple and Lotus Pond, UbudA small, elegant temple at the heart of Ubud, famous for the broad lotus pond be2 minutes walk
Ubud Palace and Art MarketThe palace of Ubud's old royal family, officially Puri Saren Agung, in the heart4 minutes walkUbud Art MarketUbud's best-known market, opposite the royal palace at the heart of town, which 4 minutes walk
Campuhan Ridge WalkOne of Bali's loveliest easy walks, a paved path along the spine of a grassy rid8 minutes walk
Neka Art MuseumOne of Bali's richest art museums, founded by the teacher and collector Suteja N20 minutes walkPuri Lukisan for history and a central location, Neka for the widest collection, ARMA for atmosphere and gardens. One or two suit most visitors.