7 Must-Visit Contemporary Art Galleries in Bali

ARMA, in Ubud, is popular for its cultural, artistic, and architectural importance. It’s a cozy place to learn about Balinese art, both classical and contemporary. It houses an impressive collection of prominent artists from across the Indonesian archipelago, especially Bali, many of whom are contemporary artists adapting traditional styles. The museum often hosts cultural events like traditional dance and music during the evenings.

Established by renowned Balinese art enthusiast Wayan Suteja Neka, the Neka Art Museum reflects the owner’s passion for local art and culture, both classical and contemporary. Showcasing Neka’s work since 1976, the museum keeps adding newer contemporary artworks to its collection, including paintings, sculptures, traditional tools, and even weapons. The museum also often hosts contemporary art exhibitions from local artists.

This fine art gallery focuses on young and modern artists from Bali, Indonesia, and South East Asia. The gallery has one floor dedicated to contemporary artworks in traditional styles, and another displaying more modern pieces. There is also an art library that lends and sells art reference books. The founder and curator, Koman Wahyu Suteja, is the son of Wayan Suteja Neka, who built the Neka Art Museum.

The family-run art gallery houses and sells some of the finest art on the island, including wood carvings, paintings, installations and antiques. It was established by prominent Balinese wood carver A. A. Gede Raka Wirayuda, and started out mostly exhibiting fine wood carvings. When the founder’s son (A. A. Bagus Tony Hartawan) took over in 1997, he broadened the collections to other forms of modern and contemporary art. The gallery acts as a catalyst and facilitator for the growth of the Balinese artistic community, but it is also proud to showcase the work of international artists, most of which have lived and worked in Indonesia.

Naka Contemporary Art Gallery is a space dedicated to empowering a multicultural group of artists, both local and international. Staying relevant to the modern era, the gallery celebrates arts in their many forms — painting, design, performance, music, film, and more. Most of the artworks are available for purchase, and shipping worldwide can be arranged.