You know you are in the imaginative world of an eccentric artist when you see parrots, chickens, a monkey and dachshunds before you have seen any paintings. This is the scene that you might find as you enter the site of the Don Antonio Blanco Museum, an attraction not to be missed when you are in Ubud.
Born in the Philippines in 1911 to Spanish parents, Antonio Blanco travelled the globe and studied at the National Academy of Art in New York. The artist arrived in Bali in 1952 and married the locally famous dancer Ni Ronji. He was given land overlooking the Campuan River by the King of Ubud and made a impressive sanctuary out of this hilltop retreat. The mix of Balinese and Spanish architecture is astonishing. Unfortunately, Blanco didn’t live to see the opening of his museum he died in 1999.
Enter the gate, greet the animals and walk through the gardens to reach the museum. The complex includes his family’s home, a restaurant, his studio, a temple and a Hindu pagoda. See women in traditional Balinese dress carrying offerings of palm leafs and flowers. You can watch these offerings being prepared in the courtyard.
Gold statues balance on the rooftops of the museum. The grand rooms inside are equally extravagant. Admire the marble floors and turquoise pylons with gold leafing before stepping closer to the paintings.
You will see how Blanco was influenced by European art forms, including Renaissance nudes and the “recreated reality” of Salvador Dali’s work. Blanco portrayed women in a whole new light and perhaps for that reason he is often called “the Dali of Bali”. Blanco’s work includes erotic art some visitors may find these types of expressionist paintings shocking.
Don’t leave before peeking inside Blanco’s studio, which still has his last painting on the easel, waiting to be finished.
The museum in Camphuan, just outside central Ubud, is open daily and there is an admission fee. Taking photographs of the artworks is prohibited, but you can buy books and prints in the on-site gift shop.
Blanco Museum
Visit Blanco Museum
Attractions
See all 10 activitiesOpens in new tabAn Evening of Bali Traditional Dance
Adventure & outdoor
See all 136 activitiesOpens in new tabBali ATV Quad Bike Through Tunnel, Waterfall, White Water Rafting
Shows & concerts
See all 13 activitiesOpens in new tabAn Evening of Bali Traditional Dance
Tours & day trips
See all 399 activitiesOpens in new tabIndividual Bali Day Trip with Private Driver and Free WiFi
Classes & workshops
See all 57 activitiesOpens in new tabUbud: Floating Breakfast, Jungle Swing & Spa Romantic Tour
Popular places to visit
The Blanco Renaissance Museum
You can spend time studying the exhibits at The Blanco Renaissance Museum in Penestanan. Discover the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area or seek out the cycling trails.
Pura Dalem Ubud
You can learn about the history of Ubud with a stop at Pura Dalem Ubud. Visit the spas and temples in this culturally rich area.
Puri Lukisan Museum
Discover the unique style of Balinese art at the island’s oldest art museum, established by a Dutch painter and the former prince of Ubud.
Saraswati Temple
You can learn about the history of Ubud with a stop at Saraswati Temple. Make time for the temples and cycling trails in this culturally rich area.
Ubud Palace
You can find out about the history of Ubud with a trip to Ubud Palace. Amble around this culturally rich area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.
Ubud Traditional Art Market
You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Ubud Traditional Art Market during your trip to Ubud. Amble around this quaint area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.
Top Blanco Museum Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Blanco Museum
- Holidays and getaways similar to Blanco Museum
- Hotels Near Blanco Museum
- Hotels near other Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Ubud Monkey Forest
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Saraswati Temple
- Agung Rai Museum of Art
- Neka Art Museum
- Puri Lukisan Museum
- The Blanco Renaissance Museum
- Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets
- Spiritual Center Sinar Suci
- Wayang Kulit
- Pura Desa
- Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal
- Gunung Lebah Temple
- Pura Penataran Sasih
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Hotels near Sanur Beach
- Hotels near Ubud Palace
- Hotels near Ubud Traditional Art Market
- Hotels near Tegallalang Rice Terrace
- Hotels near Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Hotels near Goa Gajah
- Hotels near Keramas Beach
- Hotels near Saba Beach
- Hotels near Gatot Subroto
- Hotels near Sanur Port
- Hotels near Consulate General Republic Democratic Timor Leste