Paintings and carving is something inseparable from Ubud. As the city inspire and produce both the best painter locals and foreign. A series of masterpieces from the art expert display in the museum based in Ubud. Puri Lukisan Museum, ARMA Museum are the accomplishments. Of how the artists and arts living in a strong beat.
ARMA Museum offers hundreds collection of paintings from the legendary artist and new artist. The Arma museum can easily be spotted by the Balinese style and carvings. Location that just convenient and not far than a block from the busy Ubud street.
Located in Ubud, Bali, the museum has a different atmosphere compared to other art museums. The other museum commonly has a gloomy and indoor exhibition. Meanwhile, Agung Rai Museum of Art is designed in a bright and open-air place. With a spacious yard, lush garden surrounded by paddy fields.
ARMA Museum Establishment
The presence of Agung Rai Museum of Art has a background that contributes to enliven Balinese art history. The founder Agung Rai, as the museum’s pioneer, must be counted as well. The man is a Balinese collector exposed to art during his childhood. Interaction with phenomenal painters in the workshop got him too deep.
Agung Rai is one of the famous Balinese collectors. Building a museum of art is one of the man’s dreams. Agung Rai involvement with the painters started in 1980. He becomes one of not so many collectors. Agung begins to buy paintings that he feels create such emotion.
Until at some point, Agung Rai decides to exhibit his entire collection. And spread the spiritual connection he felt through the collection. Collecting paintings from various legendary locals artist is one of his efforts. In preserving the Indonesian artworks and creating new artist through the foundation.
In December 1989, the museum was finally built. Nonetheless, that was not the end of Agung Rai’s effort. The man also tried to get an authorization for the museum. After 7 years, Wardiman Djojonegoro, the Indonesian former Education, and Culture Minister. Finally authorized and inaugurated Arma Museum.
Today Arma museum through the foundation continues to support the art and culture of Indonesia. Preserve and to develop the art of Bali in particular. Promoting Balinese painters and support civilization through art for generations.
ARMA Museum Activities & Collections
The visitors can see the greatest artworks displayed on every side of the museum. Each of the paintings sets in artistic frames that are all vintages. Museum store is available and selling souvenirs. In addition, the visitors can enjoy savory Balinese food in the museum’s café.
Art Collection
The paintings in Agung Rai Museum have been collected for years. The museum becomes a great alembic of Indonesian artworks for 80 years. The most impressive paintings that are displayed in the museum come from the Batuan era (1930-1940).
Some of the artworks are made by the Balinese famous Batuan painters such as I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. In this museum, the visitors can see Balinese typical activities through art. Nyoman Lempad tells a story of Balinese art through a painting titled “Dance Lesson”.
Another legendary, Ida Bagus Made’s painting titled Tumbal represents a story of strong Hindu heritage. The painting shows a man and a woman who came out from a Semara dragon. In Hindu culture, Semara is the symbol of the Gods of love. Not only collecting Balinese artists’ works.
The museum also displays collections of famous Indonesian painter. Artists coming from different genres, such as Affandi, Srihandi Soedarsono, and Hendra Gunawan. The artworks of foreign legend artists Spies and Blanco become part of the museum too.
Walter Spies and Antonio Blanco are some of the influencer artists. That relatedly important in the development of Balinese art in Ubud. For their services, Spies and Antonio collections stored in a special place in ARMA museum.
Cultural Workshop
Experience the culture from its destination. Getting close to know what the locals do. It is part of activities to binding with civilization. ARMA Museum provides various kinds of activities for the visitors to earn more.
From the festivals held regularly in ARMA Museum. Choose activities like woodcarving, cooking, batik class to a dancing lesson. Learning the traditional ritual like making offerings. That important for Balinese people. Or joining the ritual ceremony in the morning in ARMA Temple.
The cultural workshop is dedicated for various visitors ages. Coming with the children, take the Balinese Traditional Dance class. The cultural workshop takes place in a spacious hall outside the galleries. The facilities in the outdoor section also for painting class, silver class, and handicraft class.
Balinese Dance Performance in ARMA Museum
The list of attractive things about Agung Rai Museum of Art does not stop at the workshop. Furthermore, the tourists can also watch a Balinese art performance. There are theatre, dance, and music performances as well. The performance is held 4 times a week and takes place in a large stage placed in the museum area.
| Balinese Dance Performance Schedule in ARMA Museum | |
| Kecak Rina Dance | Every full moon and New Moon |
| Legong Dance * | Sunday 07:30 pm |
| Topeng Jimat * | Wednesday 07:00 pm |
| Barong and Kris Dance * | Friday 06:00 pm |
| Legong Telek * | Tuesday 07:30 |
| * Except Full Moon & New Moon, Terms and Conditions apply. | |
See: The Dozen Year Painting Collection in Puri Lukisan Museum.
ARMA Museum Opening Hours
Agung Rai Museum of Art opens from 8 AM to 6 PM. Nonetheless, since having a tour of this museum will spend many times, most visitors come in the morning. Besides, all of the classes and exhibitions are started in the morning as well.
| ARMA Museum Opening Hours | |
| Every day except Nyepi | 08:00 – 18:00 WITA |
See: Campuhan Ridge Walk & Top Activities.
ARMA Museum Entrance Fee
The international tourist’s entrance fee is Rp100.000 and it includes complimentary coffee/tea that could be redeem in ARMA Cafe. While there is no charge for children under 3 years old.
| ARMA Museum Entrance Fee | |
| International tourist | Rp100.000 |
| Student | Rp50.000 |
See: Guide To Explore Ubud Art Market.
ARMA Museum Cultural Workshop
The cultural workshop class is subject to availability and demand.
| ARMA MUSEUM Cultural Workshop | |
| Class | Price Quote in USD $ |
| Golden Hour Village Tour | 50.00/3-4 hours |
| Rindik Instrument Class | 25.00/2-3 hours |
| Yoga Class | 50.00/2-3 hours |
| Hindu Astrology Class | 44.00/2 hours |
| Bali lecture class | 44.00/2 hours |
| Bali history class | 44.00/2 hours |
| Egg Painting class | 44.00/2 hours |
| Silver jewelry class | 45.00/3 hours |
| Lontar Leaf Painting | 35.00/2 hours |
| Balinese offering class | 35.00/2 hours |
| Balinese Painting Lecture & Tour | 55.00/2 hours |
| Balinese Painting Class | 44.00/2 hours |
| Balinese Batik Class | 44.00/2 hours |
| Woodcarving Class | 35.00/2 hours |
| Balinese Cooking Class | 50.00/2 hours |
| Handicraft Basket Class | 44.00/2 hours |
| Hinduism Practice Lecture | 44.00/2 hours |
| Balinese Architecture Lecture | 50.00 |
| Balinese Gamelan Class | 25.00/2 hours |
| Balinese Dance Class | 25.00/2 hours |
See: Tegenungan Waterfall Ubud, Activities & Entrance Fee
ARMA Museum Dance Performance Admission & Dinner Package
The traditional dance performance takes place in an open stage area inside ARMA Museum. There are 2 admission options, visitors can choose to see the dance performance.
| ARMA Museum Balinese Performance Admission | |
| Kecak Rina Dance | Rp100.000 |
| Kecak Rina Dance + Dinner | Rp175.000 |
| Legong Dance | Rp80.000 |
| Legong Dance + Dinner | Rp155.000 |
| Topeng Jimat | Rp80.000 |
| Topeng Jimat + Dinner | Rp155.000 |
| Barong & Kris Dance | Rp80.000 |
| Barong & Kris Dance + Dinner | Rp155.000 |
| Legong Telek | Rp80.000 |
| Legong Telek + Dinner | Rp155.000 |
See: The Royal Residence, Peliatan Royal Palace.
Facilities
As the museum offers a beautiful view inside. Enjoying the view through the café must be amusing. The café-restaurant has both an indoor and outdoor space with a different concept and wide selection of cuisine.
KAFE Arma
The open-air cafe-restaurant offers a selection of Balinese cuisine and western dish. Need refreshment after exploring the museum. Make sure to try ARMA cocktails and a healthy drink. One of the most recommended foods in the restaurant is Crispy Duck. The fried duck combined with Balinese sauce and Sambal Matah. Will make your trip perfect after exploring the museum.
ARMA Thai Restaurant
Craving for some Thailand cuisine. Make sure to dine at ARMA Thai Restaurant. The fine-dining restaurant offers an indoor and outdoor dining space. The beautiful set outdoor dining area surrounded by paddy terrace. With a tranquil river next to it.
Warung Kopi
ARMA Coffee shop is the perfect place to relax before the evening. Sets in the outdoor space, Warung Kopi offers a great scene on the paddy field and garden. Sip a cup of the finest coffee with delicious cakes and a selection of snacks.
Address & Location
ARMA Museum is located in Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571.
