Ubud, located in the middle of Bali Island, is a perfect place to explore nature, history, and arts. Driven by their passion for art, local painters in 1936, along with Deutch painter Rudolf Bonnet, decided to build the Museum Puri Lukisan, which was completed 23 years later.
The museum stands tall with stunning Balinese carvings at the entrance, also designed by Rudolf Bonnet, and is located not far from the famous Ubud Art Market on Ubud Street. The carvings in the museum represent the high dedication of Balinese artists to their heritage, with Balinese wood carvings also adorning the frames of the paintings.
Upon entering, visitors can enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the garden yard, spotting the Balinese statues and extensive yard with beautiful blooming plants and high trees. A traditional statue is also placed in the middle of the small pond in the center of the yard.
Museum Puri Lukisan Entrance Fee
The museum admission for international visitors is Rp85,000 which includes a complimentary drink and snack that could be exchanged in the museum cafe. For children under 15 years old accompanied by an adult are free of charge. Free admission does not apply to children in groups.
| Museum Puri Lukisan Entrance Fee | |
| Adult | Rp85,000 |
| Children under 15 years old | Free |
See: Guide To Explore Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Museum Puri Lukisan Opening Hours
Museum Puri Lukisan opens from 9 AM to 6 PM. The museum opens every day except in Nyepi when all activities have to stop. The crowds will get peak after lunch, so it’s best to come early.
| Museum Puri Lukisan Opening Hours | |
| Every day, closed in Nyepi | 09:00 – 18:00 |
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Museum Puri Lukisan The Idea
The construction of the Museum Puri Lukisan would not have been possible without great contributions from Balinese artists. The museum was first built to keep Balinese arts invulnerable, as Balinese artists felt that their heritage was declining, with most of the art given to tourists as souvenirs.
To increase artwork production, the artists living in Ubud affiliated with a foundation, representing the 125 members overseas, called Pitamaha, in 1936. The first foundation, with Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati, the Prince of Ubud, Walter Spies, and Rudolf Bonnet, the Russian and Dutch painters, was in charge of representing the artists.
More than 125 artists successfully went international with the involvement of the foundation. Following the disruption of World War II, Pitamaha changed its foundation name to Yayasan Ratna Wartha. During that time, the artists initiated building a museum as the caisson of Balinese artworks. Finally, Puri Lukisan’s construction process began in 1954, and two years later, the museum was inaugurated by Mohammad Yamin, the former Indonesian education and culture minister.
Museum Puri Lukisan Activities & Attraction
The artistic layout of Puri Lukisan Museum attracts visitors even with a short glance. Upon entering the museum, visitors can see carvings and statues around the museum, a verdant yard combined with fresh air, and an eminent atmosphere that stands eternally.
The museum’s various paintings, displayed in the hall with flawless interior design, are exhibited in unique frames in four galleries in a stunning pavilion. The frame’s design is elegant with illustrations of Balinese heritage, and old stone works are displayed in every corner of the museum.
Paintings
The paintings in the Puri Lukisan Museum date back dozens of years, with some over 300 years old. The old paintings of the former Pitamahas are available and stored well too. Among all paintings, check the work of I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, a legendary Balinese artist known as the Renaissance man of Bali.
Every artist has particular styles and themes, for example, paintings made by Bonnet commonly show the beauty of Indonesian people. While Walter Spies chose to show the beauty of paradisiacal Balinese scenery. On the other hand, I Gusti Nyoman Lempad chose to represent the allure of Indonesian local tradition.
In addition to the old paintings, contemporary paintings are also exhibited here. Along with modern paintings made by new artists. Visitors can see the evolution of the Balinese arts over the years. Overall, the museum has become a site for keeping the arts sustained.
Wood Carving
As with the paintings, the wood carving collection has been heaped for years. The carvings collection is mostly made by famous carvers around Indonesia. And it’s placed in every corner of the museum. Most of the carvings represent the story of Hinduism while some illustrate the Indonesian historical value as well.
Museum Puri Lukisan Art & Cultural Workshop Class
The museum organizes classes for all visitors enthusiasts in knowing more about the Balinese tradition. From learning the traditional instrument gamelan, flute, and mask painting. Or learning to make offerings that are essential for the Balinese ritual.
| Museum Puri Lukisan Art & Cultural Workshop Class | |
| Gamelan | Rp145.000 |
| Traditional painting class | Rp520.000 |
| Flute Playing | Rp145.000 |
| Batik class | Rp520.000 |
| Shadow Puppet carve | Rp575.000 |
| Wood Carving | Rp520.000 |
| Basketry | Rp365.000 |
| Balinese Dance basic class | Rp145.000 |
| Offering Making | Rp365.000 |
See: The Hindu-Buddhist Harmony in Elephant Cave Ubud
Facilities
Basic facilities like toilets are available on the premises. Souvenir’s shop sells art from the local artist available as well. There is even a museum cafe offering fine cuisine and snacks in the garden of the museum. It sets in a quiet and magnificent garden and lotus pond. The lunch set offered starts from IDR 115k. The set includes the main course, dessert, coffee, and drink. And serve snacks and drink for lunch or dinner.
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How To Get To Museum Puri Lukisan
The Museum’s location is on the main street of Ubud and is walkable. 300 meters west of Ubud Palace and Ubud Art Market. At the intersection of Monkey Forest Road and the main street. A large wooden sign at the high split gate on the north side of the street marks the entrance to the museum parking lot.
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Museum Puri Lukisan Address
The museum location is in Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571.
