5 Must-See Art Galleries in Ubud

This art museum is one of Ubud’s landmarks, located on a hilltop near the iconic bridge of Campuhan, just a minute’s drive west of Ubud central. The Blanco Renaissance Museum is the house and studio of the late flamboyant Philippine-born maestro, Don Antonio Blanco. It houses his paintings, collages and illustrated poetry, together with lithographic artworks of his favourite subject: nude Balinese women.

If you’re not admiring the regal interiors and collection of nude art in the separate galleries inside, you can take in the impressive architecture, well-manicured gardens and lush settings outside. Tickets aren’t too expensive.

Neka Art Museum is one of Ubud’s pioneering art museums, established in 1976 by Balinese art lover Wayan Suteja Neka. On some occasions, you’ll probably bump into him during your visit, and he’ll even be happy to show you around his favourite works. His museum houses a growing collection of classical Balinese paintings and sculptures displayed in 6 different Balinese-style pavilions.

One of the must-see favourites comprises traditional Balinese ‘kris’ daggers. Neka himself hails from a generation of the Balinese ‘pande’ clan of smiths, who created such weapons. The other exhibits will keep you busy with their variations on Balinese paintings, with exhibits spanning the classical to contemporary. Admission is affordable and children under 12 enter free.

The Agung Rai Museum of Art (often abbreviated to ARMA) is an art gallery, cultural centre and resort founded by namesake Balinese entrepreneur and art collector Anak Agung Gde Rai. The museum features 2 large main buildings filled with a large collection of artworks.

The museum is located in Pengosekan, approximately 3 km south of the main Ubud hub. The collection spans notable works by late Indonesian artists Raden Saleh and Affandi, legendary painters Walter Spies, Rudolf Bonnet and Adrian Le Mayeur, and local Balinese masterpieces by maestro Nyoman Lempad.

The Museum Puri Lukisan is a great place to discover the colourful variety of Balinese paintings from the turn of the century, covering all schools of Balinese art. Part of the string of landmarks in central Ubud, it was founded by Rudolf Bonnet and Cokorda Gde Agung Sukawati.

Inside, you’ll be able to admire over 150 fine paintings and 62 sculpture pieces in permanent exhibits. Museum Puri Lukisan is within walking distance from the Puri Saren Royal Palace and Ubud Art Market. There's a restaurant and café on site, overlooking the spacious gardens and lotus pond.

Discover a vast collection of fine arts at Museum Rudana, which adjoins the Rudana Fine Art Gallery in the village of Peliatan, just south of Ubud central. Established in 1995 by namesake Balinese art collector Nyoman Rudana, the museum houses his fine favourites, which comprise classical Ubud and Batuan-style paintings.

The 1st and 2nd floors showcase modern Indonesian fine arts, with the works of famous artists such as Affandi, Gunarsa and Made Wianta. Also featured are pieces by talented young artists, as well as several great artworks of the late Don Antonio Blanco.