Whilst in Ubud, I had planned beforehand to visit the Masks and Puppets Museum, always being fascinated by puppets as a child and into my adulthood, you can image the thrill and pleasure I got from this visit!
EXHIBITIONS SPACES
The collections of the House of Masks and Puppets are housed in four different traditional Javanese antique houses or commonly known as Joglo. These unique Joglos are mostly originated from East and Middle Java. They are made out of good quality teak wood and have been put up to help keep their preservation.
All the exhibits are displayed and curated in English as well as Balinese.
The collection of the House of Masks and Puppets currently consists of approximately 7000 items, of which 1300 are masks from Indonesia, Africa, and Japan; whilst the other 5700 are puppets from Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Although the House of Masks and Puppets has several objects from other countries, the collection mostly consists of items from various regions in Indonesia. The acquisition of various masks and puppets from other countries is intended for additional learning, appreciation, and understanding of other cultures.
I have split the collection as in their displays in four houses. From full human sized costumes and masks, to face only masks, to shadow and screen puppets and finally wooden puppets!
I hope you enjoy the collection.