TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - SAKA Museum in Bali has been crowned among the World's Most Beautiful Museums list by Prix Versailles. The prestigious French award announced the list in its 11th edition on May 5, 2025.
The museum, located within the AYANA Jimbaran resort in Bali, is listed alongside the Grand Palais (Paris, France), Audeum (Seoul, South Korea), Kunstsilo (Kristiansand, Norway), Diriyah Art Futures (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Cleveland Museum of Natural History (Cleveland, United States), and Joslyn Art Museum (Omaha, United States).
Three out of the seven museums will also receive further distinction in the upcoming December of the World Title, which focuses on the interior or exterior designs.
About SAKA Museum
According to the official website of SAKA Museum, the museum's name is derived from the Balinese Saka calendar, symbolizing reverence for Bali's rich past, lively present, and promising future. The SAKA Museum is based on the values of the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which can be interpreted as the harmonious balance between God, nature, and humanity.
Inaugurated in 2024, SAKA Museum invites visitors to delve into the living heritage of the Island of the Gods. It features interactive exhibitions and historical artifacts introducing Subak, an irrigation system recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage.
The museum also houses documents and historical objects reflecting Bali's cultural journey. At the heart of the narrative, there is an exhibition called "Kasanga: Nyepi Exhibition," providing in-depth insight into the significance of Nyepi Day-a sacred day in the ninth month of the Balinese calendar, where all activities on the island come to a halt as a form of reflection and inner peace-seeking.
In the upcoming exhibition, "Heritage Galery: The Five Elements," SAKA Museum will invite visitors to understand the spiritual connection of the Balinese people to the five elements, namely earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
Prior to receiving the award from Prix Versailles, SAKA Museum had already received various other accolades, such as being listed in the World's Greatest Places 2024 by TIME magazine and in the top 100 in the Kyoto Global Design Awards in the same year.
Cultural Elements in Luxury
According to a Prix Versailles release, SAKA Museum is said to have made culture luxurious in its presentation. Its sloping roof visually connects the mountains and the ocean, while the reflecting pool surrounding the museum depicts the ever-changing moonlight.
These forms seemingly reflect the Bali Giri Segara philosophy, which is the sacred balance between the mountains and the sea as symbols of spiritual strength and the transformation of future life.
MUHAMMAD RIFAN PRIANTO
Editor’s Choice: Bali Named the Most Instagrammable Island in the World 2025
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Tokyo Leads the Pack as Top Summer Destination for 2025, Followed by Osaka
4 jam lalu
The ranking is based on flight data from OAG Aviation, which tracks bookings for travel to Tokyo and other destinations between June and September.
Bali Governor Comments on GRIB Jaya, Cites Existing Pecalang
1 hari lalu
The Bali Government asserted that it does not need the presence of mass organizations that act like self-appointed security forces.
Bali Named the Most Instagrammable Island in the World 2025
3 hari lalu
Bali tops the list of the world's most beautiful islands by 2025, according to a study by Travelbag.
BMKG Reports of Anomalous Rainy May in Southern Regions as Indonesia Braces for Dry Season
5 hari lalu
According to BMKG, the southern region of Indonesia is currently experiencing an unusual May rainfall period. The region includes Java, Bali, Lombok, and NTT.
10 Best Islands in Asia for Tropical Escapes
7 hari lalu
From Bali in Indonesia to Ishigaki in Japan, the best islands in Asia for vacation promise an unforgettable holiday experience.
First Balinese Hindu Temple in Netherlands Officially Inaugurated
10 hari lalu
The Indonesian Embassy in the Netherlands inaugurates the first Balinese Hindu temple established in Kallenkote. The inauguration was attended by Bali Governor I Wayan Koster and the Indonesian Ambassador.
PLN Suggests Temporary Factor Behind Bali Blackout
11 hari lalu
The blackout in Bali occurred yesterday around 16:00 WITA and had an impact on services at Ngurah Rai Airport.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Chongqing, China's Mountain City
13 hari lalu
Planning a trip to Chongqing? Here are some top places to visit in Chongqing, from the wonderful Dazu Rock Carvings to the Yangtze River views.
Bali's Semarapura Festival Expected to Draw 20,000 Tourists
13 hari lalu
The Semarapura Festival 2025 in Klungkung, Bali, held from April 28 to May 1, is projected to draw as many as 20,000 tourists, domestic and foreign.
Eiffel Tower Lights Out as Paris Honors Pope Francis
20 hari lalu
Besides the symbolic tribute of Pope Francis at the Eiffel Tower, a series of religious ceremonies were held at Notre-Dame de Paris.
