Neka Museum

Neka Museum Review

Ubud is Bali's arts center, and Neka Museum traces the island's painting history. Arranged like a family compound in separate pavilions amid a garden, the museum illustrates the evolution of painting in Bali, including the influence of prominent foreign and Indonesian artists who have lived here. One wing showcases Java's Abdul Aziz, who evocatively depicted everyday Balinese. Upstairs, there's a veritable greatest hits gallery dedicated to Bali's resident international masters, including Antonio Blanco and Rudolf Bonnet. If the works inspire you, take lessons in Balinese painting, crafts, music, dance, or even basic Indonesian at Pondok Pecak (east of the football field, at Jalan Monkey Forest). Your tuition benefits community programs.