SAKA Museum in Bali: A Crown Jewel of Architectural Excellence
Celebrating Recognition by Prix Versailles
Indonesia’s SAKA Museum at the AYANA Bali has recently achieved an incredible milestone—being named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Museums for 2025 by Prix Versailles, a prestigious international award that recognizes outstanding architectural design and sustainable practices globally. This honor makes SAKA the only museum in Indonesia to receive such recognition this year, placing it in elite company with other iconic institutions.
A Glimpse at the Global Stage
This year, SAKA Museum stands proudly alongside seven other notable museums, including:
- Grand Palais, Paris, France
- Kunstsilo, Kristiansand, Norway
- Diriyah Art Futures, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Cleveland Museum of Natural History, United States
- Audeum, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, United States
This delightful announcement marks the kick-off of the 11th edition of Prix Versailles, reinforcing SAKA’s position on the global cultural landscape.
A Vision of Cultural Pride
Having opened its doors in 2024, SAKA Museum has not only captured the hearts of visitors but also earned multiple accolades, including a spot in TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024 and a position in the Top 100 of the Kyoto Global Design Awards. Dr. Judith E. Bosnak, Director of SAKA Museum, expressed,
“SAKA Museum has truly become a place of cultural pride and inspiration for Bali. This recognition celebrates the ingenuity of our entire team…”
She further emphasized the museum’s commitment to sustainable, accessible, and cutting-edge venues for cultural education.
Immersive Exhibitions Highlighting Balinese Heritage
As part of its cultural initiative, SAKA Museum offers an immersive experience that delves into Balinese identity and history through various exhibitions:
- “Kasanga: Nyepi Exhibition” introduces visitors to the unique sensory installations reflecting Bali’s Day of Silence.
- “Subak: The Ancient Order of Bali” intricately examines the island’s UNESCO-listed irrigation and temple systems.
- “Heritage Gallery: The Five Elements” will soon launch, exploring the spiritual relationship of the Balinese people with the elements of earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
These exhibitions underscore the museum’s objective to promote public engagement with Balinese heritage and inspire a deeper connection to the island’s rich cultural narrative.
A Commitment to Sustainable and Inclusive Design
By fostering an environment that embraces innovative and sustainable design, SAKA Museum encourages both locals and visitors to dive deeply into the realms of Bali’s past, present, and future. This initiative not only reflects the museum’s dedication to cultural preservation but also serves as a model for future museum practices in Indonesia.
Learn More About SAKA Museum
To explore their ongoing exhibitions and the rich cultural tapestry that SAKA Museum offers, visit SAKA Museum Official Website.
Conclusion
With its breathtaking architecture and commitment to cultural education, SAKA Museum stands not just as a museum but as a beacon of inspiration for the global community. Its acknowledgment by Prix Versailles serves as a testament to the museum’s vision of fostering a unique cultural experience that is sustainable and accessible to all.
For more information on the stunning institutions recognized this year, here is the full list:
World’s Most Beautiful Museums List 2025
- Grand Palais – Paris, France
- SAKA Museum – Bali, Indonesia
- Audeum – Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Kunstsilo – Kristiansand, Norway
- Diriyah Art Futures – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Cleveland Museum of Natural History – Cleveland, United States
- Joslyn Art Museum – Omaha, United States
This selection reflects not just architectural excellence but also a commitment to sustainability and cultural expression on a global scale.
