Set in a large, beautifully manicured landscape, Agung Rai Museum of Art is a well-known Balinese institution for visual and performance arts. Having been open for only 15 years, ARMA, as it is commonly called, has developed a revered reputation throughout Southeast Asia.
The museum is located on the island of Bali, within the central town of Ubud. Visitors making the trek there will be extraordinarily impressed by the array of features, displays, and activities available at this museum. It is very much more than just an art gallery, as ARMA blends many forms of the arts to offer an unrivaled attraction in Ubud.
The permanent collection of artwork is one of the most alluring features of the museum. There is great diversity within the style of paintings exhibited, including both modern and traditional forms, and the range of artists displayed includes I Gusti Nyoman, Raden Saleh Syarif, and Adrien Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres. Classical Kamasan paintings are also available for viewing.
Dance and cultural performances are a significant part of the museum’s day-to-day operations. Theatrical shows combined with dance and music make for an exciting and unique experience for guests.
For those visitors looking for a more ‘hands on’ experience, the museum provides several opportunities for guests to really get their hands dirty. Cultural workshops and painting classes are among the more popular activities available in the Agung Rai Museum of Art. Visitors wishing to spend more time at the museum can choose to stay overnight, as ARMA is home to the Kokokan Hotel.
Need to Know
- What is it? a classic arts museum that displays paintings, theatre, dance, music and cultural performances
- Opening hours: open daily from 9:00 to 18:00
- Entrance fees: Rp5,000
- Where: Jalan Pangosekan, southern Ubud
- How to get there: once in Ubud, it is pretty easy to travel on foot to ARMA. Vans and taxis are also available