Situated south of Pura Jagatnatha, the Bali Museum stands as the oldest museum in Bali. Its establishment dates back to 1910, spearheaded by Assistant Resident WFJ Kroon, local leaders, and renowned Balinese artists I Gusti Ketut Kandel from Banjar Abasan and I Gusti Ketut Rai from Banjar, alongside German architect Curt Grundler. The museum's architecture skillfully blends the structural elements of pura (sacred places) and puri (palaces).
By 1925, a long pavilion styled after the Karangasem tradition had been successfully constructed at the complex's center, serving as an emblem of East Bali's architectural flair. This structure bifurcates into two areas: the external and internal sections. The open veranda in the front section offers a place of respite for museum visitors, while the inner space is purposed for exhibitions.
Subsequently, the construction of two additional structures, namely the Tabanan and Buleleng Buildings, was completed. Situated to the north of the Karangasem Building, the Tabanan Building emulates a meru design with a tiered roof composed of black aren fibers, embodying the architectural artistry of South Bali. Conversely, the Buleleng Building, positioned to the south of the Karangasem Building, is also fashioned in the likeness of a meru. This structure is supported by 33 sesaka, wooden beams intricately carved with Pepatraan motifs and adorned with prada. The building features four doors, each aligned with a cardinal direction. At the room's center stands a tugeh, a roof-supporting pole topped with a winged lion statue (Singamara), a symbol of the Buleleng Regency.
Initially under the stewardship of the Bali Museum Foundation, the Bali Museum was officially inaugurated on December 8, 1932. After Indonesia's independence, the museum's management was transferred to the Indonesian Government on January 5, 1966. The Bali Museum boasts a diverse collection that spans prehistoric artifacts, historical era relics, and ethnographic objects.