7 best museums in Ubud

7 best museums in Ubud

From the Neka Art Museum to the Don Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum, discover top Ubud museums.

The best museums in Ubud are among the finest Indonesia has to offer, housing everything from traditional Balinese artifacts to world-famous paintings and sculptures.

Located in the lush uplands of Bali and surrounded by rainforests, rice paddies, and temples, Ubud attracts artists from all over searching inspiration in the beauty of the land and its peaceful, tranquil energy. As Bali's center of spirituality, dance, and art, it's no surprise that Ubud museums, from the Neka Art Museum to the Blanco Renaissance Museum, rank among the most enjoyable and enriching things to do in Ubud.

Ubud's best museums at a glance

Best museums for history: Museum Rudana

Best museums for art: Neka Art Museum

Best museums for families: Museum Puri Lukisan

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photo: Harditaher

Admire art from around the world as well as art from famous Balinese artists at Neka Art Museum in Ubud.

1. Neka Art Museum

Best for art lovers

Why should I visit the Neka Art Museum?

The Neka Art Museum is one of the famous museums in Ubud. The permanent collection features artists from around the globe as well as famous Balinese artists like I Madé Djirna, Hendra Gunawan, and I Gusti Ketut Kboto. For an immersive glimpse into the history of Balinese art, the Neka is not to be missed.

How long can I spend at the Neka Art Museum?

Give yourself two to three hours to take in the spectacular artwork, traditional Balinese architecture, and luxurious garden.

Insider tip

The passionate tour guides at Neka are known for their extensive knowledge of Balinese art, so a guided tour is well worth it.

Address and opening hours

Jalan Raya Sanggingan Campuhan, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Open daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

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photo: Harmonious Discord

Discover more than 500 years of Balinese art at Ubud’s Museum Puri Lukisan.

2. Museum Puri Lukisan

Best for art lovers with children

Why should I visit the Museum Puri Lukisan?

At one of the most fun museums in Ubud, the Museum Puri Lukisan offers an in-depth look at more than 500 years of Balinese art, from contemporary masterworks to art and wood carvings dating to the island's pre-Independence days.

How long can I spend at the Museum Puri Lukisan?

You can cover the entire museum in about two hours.

Insider tip

Be sure to visit the museum bookshop, one of the best art bookstores in Bali.

Address and opening hours

Jalan Raya Sanggingan Campuhan, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Open daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

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photo: Budi Sukada

Be sure you visit Ubud's Rudana Museum to see what gives Ubud its artistic legacy.

3. Museum Rudana

Best for lovers of cultural art & history

Why should I visit the Museum Rudana?

Museum Rudana, one of the best museums in Ubud, houses more than 400 works of art by Balinese artists and others who have helped make Ubud the artistic heart of Bali.

How long can I spend at Museum Rudana?

To appreciate the stunning art, Ubud architecture, and gardens, set aside at least two hours for your visit.

Insider tip

If you love Balinese art and history, the best time to visit is in August when the museum participates in local events memorializing Indonesia's independence.

Address and opening hours

Jl. Cok Rai Pudak No.44, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Open daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

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photo: Taguelmoust

See more recent art when you visit the distinctive Don Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum in Ubud.

4. Don Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum

Best for lovers of surrealist art

Why should I visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum?

Don Antonio Blanco emigrated to Bali from Spain in 1952 and quickly established himself as one of the island’s most eccentric personalities. A world-renowned painter, he was known as “the Dalí of Bali” for his gaudy, eclectic style. The Blanco Renaissance Museum houses Blanco's art and illustrated poetry, making it one of the cool museums in Ubud to experience more recent art history.

How long can I spend at the Blanco Renaissance Museum?

It's not uncommon for visitors to spend an entire day here.

Insider tip

You can easily take hours to enjoy the surreal art in one of the most fun museums in Ubud, so it's a good idea to get there right when it opens.

Address and opening hours

Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Open daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

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photo: Bex Walton

Spend a couple of hours in the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) and leave with a robust understanding of Indonesian art.

5. Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)

Best for lovers of 20th-century art & contemporary art

Why should I visit the Agung Rai Museum of Art?

The majority of the collection at the Agung Rai Museum of Art, among the top cool museums in Ubud, is devoted to famous painters from the 1930s. You'll find work by artists like Raden Saleh, known as Indonesia's first modern artist. The collection also includes traditional Balinese wood carvings and textiles, plus historical exhibits.

How long can I spend at the Agung Rai Museum?

Expect to see the entire collection in just over two hours.

Insider tip

On nights when the moon is new or full, visitors are treated to traditional Kecak dances.

Address and opening hours

Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, MAS, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Open daily, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.

6. Semar Kuning Artist Cooperative

Best for lovers of Southeast Asian art

Why should I visit the Semar Kuning Artist Cooperative?

The Semar Kuning Artist Collective showcases art created by its members, each with their own unique style and perspective. Semar Kuning stands out for the diversity of the work on display, featuring everything from traditional landscapes to abstract and expressionist art.

How long can I spend at Semar Kuning?

Plan to stay longer if you want to purchase anything.

Insider tip

Similar to Ubud's many art markets, the art at Semar Kuning is for sale. Prices are negotiable, so come prepared to buy.

Address and opening hours

Jl. A.A. Gede Rai No.8, Lodtunduh, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Open daily, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

7. Njana Tilem Museum

Best for lovers of immersive art experiences

Why should I visit Njana Tilem Museum?

The Njana Tilem Museum is home to a stunning collection of work created and curated by Ida Bagus Njana and Ida Bagus Tilem. While there, enjoy the beautiful, serene setting in Mas, the center of Ubud's wood carving as well as various craft workshops.

How long can I spend at Njana Tilem Museum?

Set aside about two hours to take in the museum's beauty.

Insider tip

The museum has a strict no-photography policy.

Address and opening hours

Jl. Raya Mas No.162, MAS, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571. Open daily, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

FAQs

Why is Ubud so famous?

Ubud has long been known as the center of art, crafts, dance, and spirituality in Bali. It features breathtaking landscapes, a rich cultural history, and a burgeoning wellness scene that appeals to visitors and new residents alike.

Is Ubud really worth visiting?

Yes. Explore lush rainforests and rice paddies, experience the tranquility of its many temples and shrines, and immerse themselves in the best museums in Ubud.

What is special in Ubud, Bali?

Ubud has many of the must-do experiences in Bali, from natural attractions like the Kajeng Rice Field and Tegenungan Waterfall, to the Ubud Traditional Art Market and the many fantastic Ubud museums.

Are three days in Ubud enough?

Three days is enough to experience the best of Ubud, but you'll always want more time here.

What is the best month to visit Ubud?

Ubud is best between May and September. That's the dry season in Bali, so you'll enjoy hot, sunny days, cool nights, and three or fewer days of rain per month.

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