The Museum Puri Lukisan lays claim to be the oldest art museum in Ubud. It has its roots in the formation of the Pitamaha Artist Cooperative in 1936. The foundation was the initiative of the King of Ubud, Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati; his brother Tjokorda Gde Raka Sukawati; the German artist Walter Spies, who settled in Bali in 1927; and the Dutch artist Rudolf Bonnet, who came to Bali in 1929. The museum itself was opened in 1956. The initial collection was donated by Bonnet, but soon other artists donated their works and the foundation was also able to purchase some pieces for the collection.
The museum aims to preserve traditional Balinese arts, and has fine selection of paintings as well as wood carvings. The pride of the museum is an extensive collection of the works of I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, whose works you will find in both of the other main art museums in Ubud. Lempad is widely considered to be the "godfather" of post-war Balinese art. He designed temples, palaces and other buildings around Ubud, including parts of the museum itself, and he painted the murals on either side of the entrance to the north building.
The Puri Lukisan museum puts on several experiential programs, where guests can try their own hands at traditional drawing, carving and sometimes even music. One of the three buildings in the complex also houses temporary exhibits.
The museum is on Ubud's main road near the palace. Museum Puri Lukisan is open every day except Balinese holidays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is 40,000 Rupiah (2.40 USD). Visit the Puri Lukisan web site for more information.