If you are in Denpasar and which see some “real” Balinese history, don’t miss out on the Bali Museum.

It is located on the eastern side of the “Lapangan Puputan Badung”, a memorial park at the end of Gajah Mada Street, Denpasar. The museum contains a collection of Balinese artifacts dating back to prehistoric time up till the 20th century. Ancient masks, tools, woodcarvings, jewelry, Neolithic stone implements, megalithic coffins, agricultural tools, even cages for fighting crickets can be found on display in its four separate buildings. The architectural design is a combination between two Balinese structures, the temple and the palace.

The history of the museum started back in 1910, initiated by W.F.J.Kroon, a Dutch resident in Bali at the time. Not until December 8th, 1932, did the official opening of the museum take place. Because of its rapid development, on January 5th, 1966 the Bali Museum was transferred to the highest foundation coordinating all national museums.

The Bali Museum’s four buildings survey the Balinese ancestors from prehistoric times until now. In the Karangsem building, witness a collection of ethnographic objects, ceramics and tools dating back to the Neolithic era (2600 – 600 BC) and the megalithic Era (300 BC). See the sarcophagus tomb (200 BC) a tight fitting coffin in the shape of a giant egg. This building also shows a range of ceremonial paraphernalia and religious instrument used by high priests.

The Tabanan building, located on the north end of the museum grounds, exhibits a contribution give by the king of Tabanan’s family. A “Bale Bengong” (an outdoor open lounge elevated above the ground without walls), which has been used by the king family to oversee ceremonies, rest alongside the Tabanan building. Inside is a collection of masks and customs used to perform ceremonial and entertaining dancer. Carving in Bali has existed since ancient times, the Buleleng building (whose entrance marked by 2 Dutch bronze cannons), contains a collection of 123 rare pieces. Once inside the building you will be amazed at the fascinating exhibitions of carved remains by Bali’s fore fathers. Several materials have been used for carving which were clay, stone, wood, bone, horn and coconut.

The Gedung Timur is building is the newest edition which has 2 floors. Its theme is the evolution of painting in Bali, including the classic painting era till modern times. The first floor has a collection of paintings from various districts in Bali, highlighting Kamasan art from the Klungkung area. The Kamasan painting theme involves Gods and characters from Hindu stories. Painting from Batuan, Gianyar can also be found here, which are considered to be the most famous in Bali because of their influence by famous European painters like Walter Spies, Rudolf Bonnet and Arie Smith.The Museum Bali is open every day except Mondays. Museum hours are from 8 till 2 pm.