Nyoman Gunarsa Museum, Bali | Things to Do and Timings

Nyoman Gunarsa Museum, Bali Overview

Located about 4 km west of Semarapura, Nyoman Gunarasa museum houses both classical and contemporary artworks over a 3-storey building. Established by the well known Balinese artist Nyoman Gunarsa, the museum has 2 floors dedicated to the maestro's work while 1 floor exhibits the works of other local and international artists. It features shadow puppets, textiles and even 16th-century artefacts from the Gelgel kingdom.

The museum contains more than 200 paintings and 30 works on paper. Many of Nyoman Gunarasa's works have been critically acclaimed and have fetched him awards like Jakarta Biennale(1978 and 1980), Lempad prize in 1980, Dharma Kusuma Cultural award from Bali's government and Pratisara Affandi Adhi Karya Art Award(1976).

Most of his works depict festivals, emotions, Balinese dancers and religious figures. Many of the exhibits are open for auction and auctions are held multiple times in a year. The price of artworks ranges from 14000 IDR to 261226975 IDR.

The record price is 261,226,975 IDR for his work 'Legong dancers' which was sold in 1999. Exhibitions for artworks present in the museum are held in places like Malaysia, Australia, the Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, France, Monaco and the USA.

Things to Do

One can bid for the specified exhibits showcased within the museum during if he/she happens to be there during the auction.

The spacious tropical garden outside the museum is ideal for spending a few reflective moments.

There is a bookstore in the museum where one can buy art-related publications.

The museum has a souvenir shop and a café as well.

Exhibits

The museum has about 250 paintings and a range of traditional Balinese statues, an assortment of Kris daggers, personal stone collections of Gunarsa, masks, woodcarvings, textiles and wayang shadow puppets. There is a studio area where the maestro created his paintings. Barong and rangda, Legong Kraton, Ramayan scene, Legong, Dancer and violin, two Balinese dancers and Penari Bali are some of his most gorgeous paintings.