Balinese artworks and paintings are world famous for its rarity and unique indigenous style. Puri Lukisan Museum situated in Ubud, Indonesia contains some of the famous Balinese artwork as well as wood carvings that are modern yet retain its traditional value. These paintings and artworks include ones from the war time before Indonesia gained independence. All different styles of art that can be found in Bali are represented within this unique collection. They include schools of art such as Sanur, Ubud, Batuan, Keliki and Young Artist. Visiting Puri Lukisan Museum is one of the important excursions for tourists staying in Ubud resorts in the region such as Alila Ubud.
The main people behind establishing the museum, who painstakingly preserved the traditional Balinese paintings for future generations, were the famous western artists Rudolf Bonnet and Walter Spies, who were working in Indonesia at that time. With the assistance of the king and his brother, they were able to accumulate a massive collection of culturally rich Balinese art and preserve them within the country. It was a time when rare Balinese paintings and artworks began to move out of the country ending up in western nations. It posed a huge threat towards the survival of valuable Balinese wood carving works and traditional paintings. The sheer hard work of these two great western artists resulted in bringing back some of the finest Balinese paintings and other artefacts from western countries.
This large collection was later housed in the museum that was built in 1954. Later, another two additional wings that were constructed helped expand the museum to house further artefacts and paintings that were added to the original collection. The museum today boasts an open area for meetings and another new wing on the southern side of the building that exhibits special items.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.