SAKA Museum, located within AYANA Bali, has been named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Museums for 2025 by the prestigious Prix Versailles awards. The recognition highlights the museum’s commitment to celebrating Bali’s rich cultural heritage through innovative design and sustainable practices. It is the only museum from Indonesia to receive this honor this year, joining a distinguished list of global institutions, including the Grand Palais in Paris, Kunstsilo in Norway, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in the United States.
The Prix Versailles award, which emphasizes architectural excellence, cultural expression, and sustainability, honors museums that provide meaningful visitor experiences and reflect a sense of place. This recognition marks the beginning of the 11th edition of the Prix Versailles, which annually identifies exceptional global projects across various categories.
Since its opening in 2024, SAKA Museum has quickly gained international acclaim, being named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024 and selected as one of the Top 100 in the Kyoto Global Design Awards for its innovative and sustainable design. The museum, nestled within the verdant grounds of AYANA Bali in Jimbaran, has firmly established itself as a key cultural institution in Indonesia.
Dr. Judith E. Bosnak, Director of SAKA Museum, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the museum’s role in promoting cultural pride and education. “SAKA Museum has truly become a place of cultural pride and inspiration for Bali. This recognition celebrates the ingenuity of our entire team, while also underscoring the importance of sustainable, accessible venues for cultural learning,” said Dr. Bosnak. “We aim to inspire others to embrace innovative, inclusive, and sustainable design in Indonesia, while encouraging visitors to engage deeply with Bali’s past, present, and future through immersive cultural experiences.”
The museum’s programming continues to evolve, offering exhibitions that explore Bali’s spiritual and ecological heritage. Current exhibits include the “Kasanga: Nyepi Exhibition,” which provides an immersive experience of Bali’s sacred Day of Silence, and “Subak: The Ancient Order of Bali,” which delves into the island’s UNESCO-listed irrigation system and its impact on Balinese society. Upcoming exhibitions, such as the “Heritage Gallery: The Five Elements,” will explore Bali’s spiritual connection to earth, water, fire, air, and ether, elements that are integral to both the island’s environment and its cultural identity.
SAKA Museum’s growing international recognition reflects AYANA Bali’s long-term commitment to promoting Balinese culture both locally and globally. Through its exhibitions, seminars, and permanent collections, the museum seeks to foster curiosity and encourage cultural engagement while advancing the practices of museum design and sustainability across Indonesia.
