Anyone visiting Bali for the first time has to visit the Agung Rai Museum of Art in Ubud.
The incredible museum, also known simply as ARMA, has been a beacon among Bali’s most influential cultural institutions for 30 years. It is also a highly acclaimed hotel resort.
ARMA has just celebrated its 30th anniversary. The museum first opened its doors in the heart of Ubud on 9th June 1996.
The vision for the space has been clear since day one, and ARMA Museum founder Anak Agung Rai reiterated this during this week’s celebrations.
The museum was born of the belief that art and culture should be a living practice for all to engage in. He shared, “ARMA was born from the belief that art and culture should not just be remembered, but lived on, studied, and preserved.”
Agung Rai’s contribution to preserving Balinese culture is hugely significant, and he will forever be held in high regard for this commitment. His work has been recognised by the Gianyar Regency Government.
In 2026, Agung Rai received the Parama Satya Budaya Award from the Gianyar Regent for his contributions to fostering, developing, and preserving arts and culture.
Over the past 30 years, ARMA has actively presented a variety of cultural programs, ranging from fine art exhibitions, traditional dance and music performances, cultural workshops, artist residency programs, and educational activities for both local community members, Indonesian tourists, and international visitors.
It is this hugely diverse range of activities that makes ARMA more than just a museum, but a continually evolving cultural ecosystem that both preserves and pioneers Balinese culture to this day.
ARMA has not only focused on art and culture, but also on the third element that brings them together: community.
To honour three decades of being a vital part of the community in Bali, AMRA will be hosting tree planting, a blood donation drive, and joint prayers as a form of maintaining harmony in the relationship between humans and the universe, as is embedded in the Balinese Hindu philosophy of Tri Hata Karana.
While ARMA celebrated its 30th birthday this week, the team has planned a whole series of special events that will run throughout this year.
One of the most anticipated is ARMA Fest, which will be hosted at the museum on 19th – 20th September 2026.
Hosted annually, ARMA Fest 2026 promises to be bigger and better than ever. More details about the festival program will be revealed nearer the time.
Here at The Bali Sun, we’ll of course be bringing you all the latest news, but if you want to follow updates from ARMA, be sure to check out the museum’s Instagram account.
The ARMA Director Agung Yudi spoke to reporters about what the community and tourists visiting the museum can expect in the future.
He shared that amidst the dynamics of the modern world, ARMA continues to strengthen its role as guardian of Balinese culture while also opening itself to innovation and technological developments.
He explained his belief that this is crucial to ensure that inherited cultural values can continue to reach future generations without losing their traditional roots.
Yudi shared, “ARMA will continue to be a cultural space that preserves Balinese culture as the spirit of creativity, while adapting to innovation and technology to remain relevant for future generations.”
Tourists who wish to visit ARMA are highly encouraged to do so during their stay in Bali. The ARMA Museum & Resort is home to the museum itself, a luxury hotel resort, stunning gardens, spa, shop, and restaurant.
Here at The Bali Sun, we highly recommend anyone who visits ARMA to book a cultural workshop. Learn from the very best!
Workshops include a Balinese Painting Lecture & Walking Tour, Wood Carving, Balinese Cooking, Balinese Gamelan Orchestra, Balinese Dance, and so much more.
Discover more from The Bali Sun
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.