If you think that the Indonesian Island of Bali is only a getaway for the adventurous and outdoorsy, you are indeed wrong! Although the Island’s breathtaking beaches and picturesque mountains beckon visitors to explore Bali’s natural landscape, there is still much to see inside Bali’s many malls, museums and temples. Even in the popular resort town of Seminyak, the cozy interiors of many a Seminyak Bali Resort and the extravagant interior of Blanco Renaissance Museum offers the perfect excuse to stay indoors.
One of Ubud’s most popular attractions, Blanco Renaissance Museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers. Situated near Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort, Blanco Renaissance Museum lies in a five hectare property that contains the landscaped gardens and lavish home and studio of Bali’s most beloved artists, Don Antonio Blanco. The Philipino-born artist left no artistic detail to the imagination and lavishly decorated his family home with his artwork and collectibles. The impressive 50-foot marble arch that frames the Museum’s entrance is an immediate reminder of ornate Balinese stone carvings and the golden miniature Balinese dancers that adorn the Museum’s roof is a fitting tribute to his wife Ni Rondji who was a famous Balinese dancer.
Walk through the Museum’s large exhibition galleries and admire Blanco’s famous artwork inlaid in extravagantly designed frames and admire how the artwork contrasts against the bold red and blue painted gallery walls. Take a guided tour of the three storey house and keep a watchful eye on the lines of poetry and riddles that have been cleverly inserted in the artwork. At the end of the two hour tour of the Museum it becomes evident that Blanco’s favourite artistic subjects were Balinese women, his children and Bali itself. Discover Blanco’s studio where he created his famous masterpieces and meet the Artist’s son Mario Blanco whose artwork is also displayed at the Museum. Stroll through Don Antonio Blanco’s beautiful garden and discover the family temple and the property’s residential birds. End your trip with a stop at the Museum’s souvenir shop and an enjoyable meal on the Museum restaurant’s patio overlooking the Campuhan River.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
