One of the most important galleries in Bali, the Neka Art Museum hosts a large collection of work by both Balinese artists alongside that of several world renowned painters. A trip to the gallery offers a rare opportunity to learn how art developed here and how it was inspired by the island’s own history, its culture and its physical beauty.Opened to the public in 1982 the Neka Art Museum started out as a collection belonging to Suteja Neka, a teacher, who used to document the art he collected. Over time, the collection grew to around 400 works, which form the basis of the museum that bears his name. There are wonderful examples of different painting styles such as the very traditional wayang style, inspired by shadow puppetry. There is also a selection of contemporary work from all over Indonesia and a photographic archive which documents life in Bali just before the Second World War.A unique aspect of this museum is the way it tells the story of how art developed in Bali. There is a pavilion given over to the work of Dutch impressionist Arie Smit who moved to Bali in the 1950s and developed the ‘naïve genre’ which in turn influenced the Balinese landscape painters whom he taught.A further example of this kind of development can be found in the Lempad Pavilion, named after I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, a celebrated local artist. Lempad was nurtured as part of the Pitamaha cooperative which was co-founded by Dutch painter, Rudolf Bonnet, in an effort to promote Balinese painters. Bonnet went on to establish the Museum Puri Lukisan, where plenty of examples of his work can be found. Visitors looking for souvenirs and reference books can pick them up at the museum’s gift shop and there is also a café on site. br />Situated in Campuhan, the Neka Art Museum is a 10-minute drive heading north west from the centre of Ubud. It is advisable to visit during the middle of the afternoon, which is usually the quietest part of the day. The museum is open daily except for Sunday mornings and public holidays. All exhibitions have signage and detailed descriptions in English.
Neka Art Museum Tours and Activities
Visit Neka Art Museum
Plan a trip to see Neka Art Museum
Puri Saraswati Dijiwa Ubud
Reviewed on 8 Feb. 2024
Tejaprana Resort & Spa
Reviewed on 23 Apr. 2024
Villa Kayu Raja
Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024
Adventure & outdoor
See all 258 activitiesOpens in new tabBali: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike and Natural Hot Spring
Attractions
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabAn Evening of Bali Traditional Dance
Shows & concerts
See all 23 activitiesOpens in new tabAn Evening of Bali Traditional Dance
History & culture
See all 397 activitiesOpens in new tabAll-Inclusive Ubud Tour
Wildlife & nature
See all 58 activitiesOpens in new tabBest of Central Bali: Waterfall, Elephant Cave & Rice Fields
Popular places to visit
Blanco Museum
The former home of the ‘Dali Of Bali’, sits on a hill top complete with fabulous gardens and is a true reflection of one of Bali’s most eccentric artists.
The Blanco Renaissance Museum
You can spend time studying the exhibits at The Blanco Renaissance Museum in Penestanan. Discover the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area or seek out the cycling trails.
Pura Dalem Ubud
You can learn about the history of Ubud with a stop at Pura Dalem Ubud. Visit the spas and temples in this culturally rich area.
Puri Lukisan Museum
Established by the former Prince of Ubud, this art museum is Bali’s oldest and offers a wonderful insight into traditional and modern Balinese art.
Saraswati Temple
You can learn about the history of Ubud with a stop at Saraswati Temple. Make time for the spas and cycling trails in this culturally rich area.
Petulu
Find out about the history of Kelusa when you spend time at Petulu. Discover the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area or seek out the cycling trails.