SAKA Museum, AYANA Bali’s cultural and knowledge center that honors the island’s living heritage, has been named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Museums 2025 by the prestigious Prix Versailles. This international award, established in France, celebrates projects that embody intelligent sustainability, cultural expression, and architectural excellence.
SAKA Museum is the only institution from Indonesia to earn this distinction in 2025, joining a select global roster that includes the Grand Palais in Paris, Kunstsilo in Norway, Diriyah Art Futures in Riyadh, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in the United States. The recognition highlights museums that excel in both interior and exterior design while offering visitors meaningful and culturally rich experiences.
This honor also marks the beginning of the 11th edition of Prix Versailles, which will continue to spotlight outstanding projects across the globe in various categories throughout the year.
Nestled within the lush grounds of AYANA Bali in Jimbaran, SAKA Museum has rapidly emerged as a cultural landmark since opening in 2024. It has already earned several accolades, including being named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024 and a Top 100 recipient in the Kyoto Global Design Awards for its pioneering and sustainable design.
SAKA Museum Director Dr. Judith E. Bosnak expressed her appreciation for the award, stating, “SAKA Museum has truly become a place of cultural pride and inspiration for Bali. This recognition celebrates the ingenuity of our entire SAKA Museum team and highlights the importance of sustainable, accessible, and cutting-edge spaces for cultural learning. We hope to inspire others in Indonesia to embrace innovative, inclusive, and sustainable design while inviting visitors to deeply engage with Bali’s past, present, and future.”
Dedicated to fostering cultural understanding, SAKA Museum continues to expand its programming. Exhibitions explore Bali’s spiritual and ecological traditions through immersive storytelling and modern interpretations. Highlights include:
- “Kasanga: Nyepi Exhibition” – An evocative journey into Bali’s sacred Day of Silence through sensory installations and contemporary art.
- “Subak: The Ancient Order of Bali” – A look at the island’s UNESCO-recognized irrigation and water temple systems that support its agriculture and community life.
- “Heritage Gallery: The Five Elements” – An exploration of the Balinese spiritual connection to earth, water, fire, air, and ether, which shape both environment and soul.
This international recognition affirms SAKA Museum’s role as a leader in sustainable cultural development and architectural innovation. Through its exhibitions, seminars, and permanent collections, the museum champions a deeper understanding of Balinese identity while contributing to the advancement of museum practices across Indonesia.
To plan your visit, purchase admission tickets, or explore ongoing exhibitions, please visit: www.sakamuseum.org
