Tanah Merah
Art Resort
Bali is often celebrated for its landscapes, yet the true soul of the island lies within its deep-rooted history and the art that preserves it. For years, the lush enclaves of Tanah Merah Art Resort served as the primary sanctuary for the vast private collection of Peter Bloch. However, as his passion for cultural exploration expanded, it became clear that these treasures required a dedicated stage. This vision led to the birth of Museum P.B.C (Peter Bloch Collection) a cultural beacon located in Samsam, Kerambitan, designed to bridge the historical gap between Indonesia, China, and the Western world.
The transition from a boutique resort gallery to a full-scale museum was driven by a singular vision: the desire to share the intricate tapestry of Balinese and international heritage with a global audience. While Tanah Merah offers a lived-in art experience, Museum P.B.C is where the narrative becomes focused and academic. It was established by Peter Bloch to ensure that the cultural flow of history, stretching from his home in Denmark to the sacred lands of Bali could be understood by travelers and history enthusiasts alike.
Today, the museum serves as a specialized institution where the artifacts previously housed at the resort are given the space to breathe. For those seeking the most comprehensive and detailed history of the collection, a visit to Museum P.B.C is an essential pilgrimage. It is a place where history is not just displayed but meticulously categorized to tell a story of global migration and artistic evolution.
Among the many corridors of the museum, the rooms dedicated to Mads Lange stand as the most popular attraction. Known as the "King of Bali," this Danish diplomat’s life is a fascinating study of cultural fusion. Peter Bloch’s fascination with Lange’s legacy is so profound that it resulted in the publication of a definitive book on his history.
Within these walls, the life of Mads Lange is laid bare from his strategic alliances and his influence on 19th-century trade to the intimate details of his personal life. The collection highlights the unique shift in his identity, showcased through his transitions in attire and his domestic life alongside his Balinese and Chinese wives. This specific gallery provides a rare look at how European, Balinese, and Chinese cultures converged during a transformative era in Indonesian history. For a deeper dive into his life, you can read our featured story on Mads Lange.
The museum is thoughtfully organized into thematic rooms, ensuring that each culture is honored with its own dedicated environment. Visitors are invited to explore the Yuan Room and Song Dynasty Room, where rare Chinese porcelain tells the story of ancient maritime trade. In contrast, the Ikat Room and the Gold Room display the spiritual and royal craftsmanship of the Indonesian archipelago.
Furthermore, the private collections of figures like Annemarie Kipar are given their own sanctuaries, reflecting a lifelong passion for beauty and fine art. This structured approach allows guests to witness the "architectural soul" of the region, specifically through the grand timber structures found in the Tuban Room, which celebrates the master craftsmanship of East Javanese traditional houses.
Unlike the resort, Museum P.B.C in Kerambitan, Tabanan, is a dedicated public institution. It is a destination specifically for those who hunger for knowledge and a deeper connection to the past. Whether you are a guest at Tanah Merah Art Resort looking to complete your cultural journey or a traveler seeking the legendary history of Denmark's most famous son in Bali, the museum offers a level of historical clarity that is unmatched.
By visiting Museum P.B.C, the stories whispered in the halls of Tanah Merah are given a loud, clear, and magnificent voice. It is a testament to the belief that to know where we are going, we must first understand the incredible artistic and historical paths that were paved before us.
