Although Bali is famed for its cheap drinks, vibrant night life, beautiful beaches and friendly locals, the last two decades have seen a significant growth in the island’s arts and culture scene.
The town of Ubud, some 35kms north of Denpasar, is home to a collection of Bali’s most important cultural institutions and establishments. One such place is the Threads of Life Indonesian Textile Art Museum.
With the ever-increasing encroachment of modernity stifling past traditions and cultures, the Threads of Life Indonesian Textile Art Museum has found a way to preserve some of the traditional aspects of the Balinese and Indonesian heritage. The museum is dedicated to teaching and exhibiting the art of traditional Indonesian weaving and other forms of textile arts.
The Threads of Life Indonesian Textile Art Museum was established by an Englishman who dedicated his life to the fine art of Indonesian weaving. It isn’t overly large, but there are quite a number of interesting items on sale, including ikats and shirts. Some of the ikats sell for up to a few million rupees.
Apart from simply visiting the museum, guests can also attend workshops and courses designed to provide the basics of traditional textile art and weaving methods. Originally used as a studio and shop, the Threads of Life Indonesian Textile Art Museum can be viewed within an hour. Nevertheless, it can become quite busy when tour buses arrive.
Need to Know
- What is it? a small textile museum and shop preserving traditional weaving and textile arts
- Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday
- Entrance fees: free
- Where: along Jalan Kajeng, in the centre of Ubud, Bali
- How to get there: from Denpasar, taxis are the cheapest and most convenient method of transport. In Ubud, the museum can be reached by taxi or on foot