For the museum’s interior design, Ayana collaborated with the multi-award-winning Napp Studio & Architects, renowned for their work in building riveting museum journeys that enhance visitor curiosity. An inclusive space, Saka Museum is wheelchair-friendly, incorporating elevators and accessible toilets into the design, while the team is committed to tailoring tours based on specific needs.
For its inaugural exhibition, Saka Museum closely collaborated with Balinese communities and artists to create ogoh-ogoh, giant effigies that are paraded through the streets on the eve of the Saka calendar’s most important day: Nyepi, Bali’s New Year celebration and day of silence.
Serving as an entry point for visitors to delve into the meaning of Nyepi, the exhibition involved nine banjar (neighborhood groups) and prominent young artists, including Jimbaran’s Banjar Ubung; Denpasar’s Banjar Tainsiat led by artist, Kedux; and Tampaksiring’s Banjar Kelodan led by artist, Gusman Koi.
The ogoh-ogoh exhibition’s curation and development were overseen by a curatorial team helmed by eminent cultural innovator, Marlowe Bandem.
The museum’s permanent collection — to be unveiled next year — has been curated by a committee of renowned researchers, collectors and cultural experts, including Dr James Bennet, Professor I Made Bandem, Farah Wardani, and Marlowe Bandem, under the leadership of Bruce Carpenter, an esteemed gallerist and art historian who has authored and co-authored over 20 books on Indonesian art, culture and history.
“With Saka Museum, Ayana aims to significantly increase its contribution to the Balinese community that has provided many blessings to the Ayana family,” says Giordano Faggioli, General Manager of Ayana Resort.
“With its prime position at the forefront of the estate, all guests will see Saka on entering the property, which signifies the museum’s importance for Ayana.”
As Bali has emerged as the region’s leading MICE destination, Ayana will strive to ensure Saka Museum stands out as the island’s most culturally immersive event venue. “We look forward to welcoming our guests celebrating their unforgettable occasions at our newest event venue,” concludes Faggioli.
In the lead-up to the opening, guests of Ayana Villas Bali, Ayana Resort Bali, Ayana Segara Bali, and Rimba by Ayana Bali can now view the museum, free of charge, by scheduling their visit via the Ayana web app. Starting October 1, the general public can also arrange private visits on a limited basis by contacting [email protected].
Ticket pricing will be announced prior to the official opening in 2024.
