The Werdhi Budaya Art Centre, also called the Bali Art Centre, is a cultural complex in central Denpasar that brings together traditional Balinese dance, music, painting and craft. Its open-air pavilions and gardens hold stone carvings, murals and statues, and the buildings follow the Balinese style. Performances such as the Kecak dance, the Barong dance and gamelan concerts are hosted through the year, and the centre is the main venue for the Bali Arts Festival each June and July. Entry is free, so it works well as a stop between temples and museums in the city.
From the 1970 opening to today
The complex opened in 1970. Its formal name is Taman Werdhi Budaya, but most people call it the Bali Art Centre. Ida Bagus Mantra, the sixth Governor of Bali, initiated the centre, and he was a strong supporter of keeping Balinese arts and customs alive.
The centre was set up to preserve Balinese art and culture and to develop an arts centre that protects local wisdom. Since it opened, the site has hosted the annual Bali Arts Festival, known locally as PKB.
What you will see on the grounds
The grounds are spacious, with open-air pavilions and gardens. Stone carvings, murals and statues stand among the buildings, and the architecture follows the traditional Balinese style.
The galleries hold paintings, woodcarvings, masks and shadow puppets. The centre also hosts exhibitions, music shows and theatre performances. It runs workshops and events that present the island's dance forms, and handmade crafts are part of what is on display.
Performances and the Bali Arts Festival
The centre regularly hosts traditional Balinese performances, including the Kecak dance, the Barong dance and gamelan music concerts. Productions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata ballets are among the larger shows.
The Bali Arts Festival runs for about a month, from mid-June to July. The 2024 edition ran from 15 June to 13 July and marked the festival's 46th year. Each year the festival has a different theme, and dance groups from villages across Bali take part. On opening day, a city parade at 2 pm is followed by performances at the centre from 8 pm. Entry to the festival is free, and most of the audience is local.
Getting there and visiting
The centre sits in the middle of Denpasar, at Jl. Nusa Indah No.1, so it is easy to reach from other parts of the city. Parking includes a free lot, a paid lot and paid street parking. The entrance and the parking area are both wheelchair accessible.
The Bali Museum, the Bajra Sandhi Monument and Puputan Square are all nearby. Puputan Square is a park that local people use for picnics and quiet reading. A few warungs operate on the grounds for food and drinks.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
No. Admission to the centre is free.
When is the Bali Arts Festival?
It runs for about a month, from mid-June to July. The 2024 edition ran from 15 June to 13 July.
Is the centre open on Sundays?
No, it is closed on Sundays. The hours for the other days are listed on the page.
Is there parking?
Yes. The site has a free lot, a paid lot and paid street parking. Parking can fill up during events.
What performances can I see?
The centre regularly hosts the Kecak dance, the Barong dance and gamelan concerts. The Ramayana and Mahabharata ballets are also staged.
