TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The SAKA Bali Museum has been listed as one of the Most Beautiful Museums in the World 2025 by Prix Versailles. The announcement was made during the prestigious French awards ceremony in its 11th edition on May 5, 2025.
In their press release, Prix Versailles mentioned that the SAKA Museum successfully showcases luxury through cultural presentations. The museum's sloping roof creates a visual impression that connects the mountains and the sea, while the surrounding reflection pool depicts the changing beauty of moonlight. These elements reflect the philosophy of Bali's Giri Segara, which emphasizes the spiritual balance between the mountains and the sea.
The SAKA Museum was inaugurated in 2024. Its name was taken from the Bali Saka calendar as a tribute to Bali's past, present, and future. The museum's construction is based on the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which prioritizes harmony between God, nature, and humans. The museum presents interactive exhibitions and historical artifacts, including the Subak irrigation system recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage.
In addition to the SAKA Museum, here are the Prix Versailles award winners:
Grand Palais - Paris, France
Located along the Champs-Élysées, the Grand Palais was built to showcase the excellence of French art and technology. Since 1901, this building has been the venue for various prestigious events such as car exhibitions, air shows, interior design exhibitions, horse competitions, and large-scale art exhibitions. Ever since its opening, these events have consistently attracted thousands of visitors, making the Grand Palais one of the leading cultural centers in Paris.
Audeum - Seoul, South Korea
The Audeum (Audio Museum) in Gangnam, Seoul, is an innovative museum that combines auditory experiences with human sensory stimulation. More than just a place to listen to sounds, the building is designed as an architectural instrument that connects humans with nature. Its exterior features grilles and aluminum pipes to capture natural light and shadows, creating a display that changes with the weather, time, and season, reflecting the harmony between nature and the urban environment.
Kunstsilo - Kristiansand, Norway
The Kunstsilo Museum is a former award-winning grain silo on Odderya in Kristiansand, Norway, which has been transformed into one of the most innovative cultural centers in Northern Europe for art and cultural experiences.
This museum houses the Tangen collection, the world's largest collection of Nordic modernism, and the permanent Kunstsilo collection. Additionally, there will be international digital contemporary art, temporary exhibitions, and expanded offerings with lectures, concerts, culinary experiences, workshops, multipurpose spaces, and events.
Diriyah Art Futures - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Located on the northern edge of the Riyadh desert near the UNESCO site At-Turaif, "Diriyah Art Futures" is a contemporary 12,000 square meter complex initiated by the Saudi Ministry of Culture and designed by Schiattarella Associati. Led by Haytham Nawar, the complex includes studios, galleries, laboratories, artist residences, auditoriums, and new media and digital language training centers.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History - Cleveland, United States
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, founded in 1920 by Cyrus S. Eaton, is in University Circle, Cleveland, Ohio. The museum focuses on research, education, and collections in various fields of natural science such as anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, botany, and geology. Welcoming visitors of all ages, the museum offers learning experiences about science, nature, and health, on-site and through outdoor programs.
Joslyn Art Museum - Omaha, United States
The Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha was established by Sarah Joslyn in memory of her husband, George, and opened on November 29, 1931. The museum has a collection of over 12,000 pieces reflecting 5,000 years of world creativity and culture. Located on a campus with three interconnected buildings and a sculpture garden, the museum offers various educational programs and is always free to the public.
The Prix Versailles is an international award for architecture and building design. UNESCO has awarded this prize annually since 2015. In addition to museums, Prix Versailles also includes categories for airports, campuses, passenger stations, sports buildings, hotels, and restaurants.
Yunia Pratiwi contributed to the writing of this article
Editor's Choice: Prix Versailles Names Bali's SAKA Museum Among Most Beautiful in the World
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