Founder Anak Agung Gde Rai began his career as an art dealer before transitioning to museum curation to prevent the loss of Balinese cultural heritage.
The collection includes rare 19th-century Kamasan scroll paintings, which are traditionally used for religious and ritual contexts.
The site hosts a dedicated center for Gamelan music and Balinese dance, providing a workspace for local students.
Many of the paintings on display reflect the shift in Balinese art during the 1930s, influenced by Western artists like Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet.
The complex architecture utilizes traditional Balinese building styles, featuring open-sided structures known as wantilan.
The Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) is a cultural center and museum in Ubud, Bali, established by Anak Agung Gde Rai to preserve Balinese art and culture. The permanent collection features traditional Kamasan paintings, works from the Batuan school, and pieces by Indonesian masters like Raden Saleh and Affandi. The museum grounds comprise tropical gardens, historical architecture, and open-air pavilions. It functions as an educational facility offering workshops in Balinese dance, painting, and traditional music. The complex also hosts a luxury resort and restaurants, integrating artistic exhibition with tourism services. The museum emphasizes the continuity of Balinese traditions by showcasing both historical artifacts and contemporary developments in the local art scene.
The lily ponds within the landscaped gardens, which frame the traditional stone carvings and Balinese architecture.
Walk through the secondary galleries to see rotating exhibitions by contemporary Indonesian artists.
Check the museum's workshop schedule in advance if you wish to participate in a painting or dance class.
Explore the landscaped gardens, which feature small shrines and water features that are often overlooked by casual visitors.
Do not treat the exhibits as mere photo backdrops; maintain a quiet tone as the museum is also a space for study and contemplation.
Dress modestly as a sign of respect; avoid wearing beachwear such as bikini tops or very short shorts.
