Good Art Museums in Bali – Discover the Cultural Side to the Land of the Gods

Founded by the Prince of Ubud in 1956 this museum was in partnership with painter Rudolph Bonnet. The place chronicles the history of Balinese art with detailed signs alongside each display giving you a good insight to each piece. Some of the highlights here are the sharp ink drawings by I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, one of the nation's most prominent artists. In addition to marvelling at the beautiful work on display, you are given a chance to stroll through the well-manicured gardens and stop at the sunny café for a drink and bite to eat.

It must be said that Ubud is considered the cultural capital of Bali and a must visit on a day trip from your Bali beach resort. This museum chronicles the work of just about every foreign painter that found inspiration in the land. It pays tribute to the painting revolution that gripped the nation around the year 1930 and is also the only place to display the works of Walter Spies. There are also displays of some of the best work done by top local artists. This is not just an art museum; instead of acting as a theatre the venue offers one a chance to catch local drama and dance performances. The Agung Rai Museum is also a venue for taking part in interesting workshops such as wood carving, painting and even batik designing.

Well justifying a visit to the highlands of Ubud this museum is also based in the cultural capital. Ubud is in fact quite close to many of the beach resorts; for instance, Uluwatu loved as a Bali golf resort is just 50kms away and many travellers book days excursions from similar places like Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort to the rice terraced environs of Ubud. The Neka Art Museum is just another fine example of the town's cultural value. It is located in the village of Kedewatan and is made up of varied pavilions displaying the work of multiple artists. There you will come across permanent exhibits as well as seasonal displays.

This museum is housed in the home of Adrien Jean Le Mayeur. On display are 80 of the artist's finest works. This artist visited the island in 1932 and remained on after his marriage to a young Balinese dancer – Ni Pollok. She is the muse for many of the paintings adorning the walls of this house. The house in itself is well preserved exuding an air of nostalgia and homely feel.

This museum is found in Peliatan Village on the eastern edge of the Ubud city centre. The place was opened in 1995 by a Balinese politician named Nyoma Rudana who was quite passionate about Balinese art history. The place is a lifeline to struggling Balinese artists while making every endeavour to preserve the precious creations of local artists.