Opened in 1982 by Suteja Neka, a Balinese teacher, and son of the award-winning woodcarver, I Wayan Neka, who was a member of the influential 1930s art movement, Pita Maha. In establishing this private collection, Suteja Neka wanted "to document the history of paintings inspired by the Balinese environment". He collected art works to document the development of painting in Bali and its relationship to local culture. The Neka Art Museum chronologically displays generations of its collected paintings that date back to the 16th century through transitional Balinese style up to contemporary works. 

Entering the museum, the first gallery area, the Balinese Painting Hall, comprises traditional Balinese paintings of such complexity and detail that the patience and skills of the artists have to be wondered at.  The next building within the complex is home to the Balinese Contemporary Art; anything goes, from detailed realism of rural scenes to abstract art open to wide interpretation. Significantly adding to the ambience and quality of these spaces are some superbly executed bronzes and woodcarvings peppered around the various buildings. Photography comes to the fore in the next space. In this smaller gallery, photographs of Bali are displayed providing both an artistic and historical record exhibit. Particularly outstanding are photographs taken in Bali some 70 years ago, hinting at what Bali used to be like. More contemporary art lies ahead, categorized as Indonesian Contemporary Art, from Chinese Indonesian's works to the work of Sundanese artists. Outstanding though is the presence of the Indonesian master Affandi

A pavilion in the courtyard also houses works of art including a large statue of Ganesha. Also within the pavilion are a number of traditional instruments. This seems to symbolize something about the Neka Art Museum as a whole - it is a very friendly and welcoming place.