Top Choice

Neka Art Museum

Imagentle/Shutterstock

Indonesia, Bali - September 16, 2017: Entrance area to the Neka art museum that is built in traditional balinese architectural style. Neka art museum is a cultural attraction of Bali, Indonesia.  License Type: media  Download Time: 2024-03-14T08:43:58.000Z  User: mvm_lonelyplanet  Is Editorial: Yes  purchase_order:

On Jl Raya Campuan, the Neka Art Museum (nekaartmuseum.com; adult/child 150,000/75,000Rp) offers an excellent introduction to Balinese art, with a top-notch collection displayed in a series of pavilions and halls. During your one-hour visit, don't miss the multi-room Balinese Painting Hall showcasing wayang (puppet) style and European-influenced Ubud and Batuan styles introduced in the 1920s and 1930s. Also notable are works by the master I Gusti Nyoman Lempad in the Lempad Pavilion, and the East-West Art Annexe, where the artistic prowess of Affandi (1907–90) and Widayat (1919–2002) impress. There's a good bookstore, too.

The museum is the creation of Suteja Neka, a private collector and dealer in Balinese art, and his collection is huge. As well as works by Balinese and Indonesian artists, there are plenty of works by foreign artists who have called the island home, including Arie Smit, Johan Rudolf Bonnet, Theo Meier, Louise Garrett Koke, Donald Friend and Tay Moh-Leong. There's also a gift shop selling quality local handicrafts.

Book popular activities

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.


Must-see attractions