On the eastern side of the historic Puputan Square in Denpasar is the Museum of Bali, built by the Dutch in 1932. The original collection was put together with the assistance of a German painter. Well apportioned exhibition halls display an excellent collection of Balinese artifacts from prehistoric to contemporary times, including weapons, dance costumes, Ming ceramic, cloth and paintings.

The Museum Bali, built by the Dutch government in 1932, presents an excellent survey of Balinese art from prehistoric times to the early 20th century. Items range from Neolithic stone implements, Metal Age sarcophagi, and Buddhist and Hindu bronzes through a fine variety of modern woodcarvings and paintings, to ceremonial masks and ukurs-human 4tfigies made from silver and Chinese coins' used in death rituals. The architecture of the museum combines the two principal edifices in Bali: the temple and the palace. The split gate, the outer"and inner courtyards and kulkul ("alarm drum") tower are characteristic of the temple. Opposite the kulkul stands an elevated pavilion once used in palaces as a lookout for a prince viewing his lands. The main building with its wide, pillared veranda resembles the Karangasem palaces of East Bali, where the porch once served ministers and authorities who had an audience with the raja. The windowless building on the right reflects the Tabanan palace style of West Bali, while the brick building on the left belongs to the northern palace style of Singaraja, making the museum a true monument to Bali.
Jl Letkol Wisnu Dps
Open: Tuesday to Sunday - 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

A permanent exhibition of modern Balinese painting and wood carving may be seen at the Art Center at Abiankapas on the edge of the city. This grandiose complex includes a large dance arena and a sales room. Exhibitions, dances, and recitations of classical literature are organized by the center. A calendar of events is available. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday.