Peru is best-known for the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu, but it surely additionally boasts a number of world-class museums that showcase the nation’s wealthy historic, archaeological and cultural heritage. Their spectacular collections have been delivered to life by an unimaginable workforce of curators and personal collectors, who work passionately to protect these priceless treasures for future generations.
Our Journey Coordinator, Claudia Coral, who lives within the capital metropolis of Lima, has handpicked her high 10 museums in Peru that you just shouldn’t miss throughout your exploration of this fascinating nation.
1
 Larco Museum, Lima
Historical Peruvian historical past
The Museo Larco, situated in Lima’s Pueblo Libre district, was based in 1926 by Rafael Larco Hoyle, a pioneer in Peruvian archaeology. The museum is housed inside a viceroyalty mansion amid lovely gardens.
Step inside and journey again greater than 5,000 years to historic Peru. The Museo Larco’s spectacular non-public assortment consists of round 45,000 reveals. Its lovingly introduced sculptures, ceramics, and jewellery present a unbelievable overview of the varied pre-Columbian civilizations. A very fascinating spotlight is the museum’s assortment of erotic Moche ceramics.
Insider tip: After your go to, unwind on the museum’s charming backyard café, the place you may take pleasure in a espresso or mild lunch surrounded by bougainvillea bushes.
It is best to go to one of many historic taverns within the Pueblo Libre district. I like to recommend El Bolivariano or La Antigua Taberna Queirolo. Deal with your self to a traditional Pisco Bitter or Chilcano and pattern some typical Peruvian dishes
2
 Lima Artwork Museum (MALI)
Artwork and Structure
Located within the historic centre of Lima, the Palacio de la Exposición is likely one of the metropolis’s most lovely buildings. It was in-built 1869 as a venue for artwork and industrial exhibitions, and has housed the Museo de Arte de Lima – MALI (Museum of Artwork in Lima – MALI) since 1961.
The museum’s assortment is organized in keeping with the totally different intervals of Peruvian historical past – pre-Columbian, colonial, republican, and fashionable. Along with work and pictures, its 17,000 reveals embrace ceramics and textiles from pre-Hispanic instances and furnishings from the colonial interval.
Insider tip: Don’t miss ‘La Noche del Museo‘ (Museum Night time), which is held on the final Friday of each month. The museum transforms right into a vibrant stage for artwork, music, and dance. It is a great solution to expertise Lima’s vibrant artwork scene up shut.
3
Amano Museum, Lima
Pre-Columbian textile artwork
The trendy Museo Amano within the Miraflores district is taken into account probably the greatest museums in Peru for pre-Columbian textile artwork. Right here, you may marvel at a variety of materials, style, and colourful designs.
The museum was based in 1964 by Japanese businessman Yoshitaro Amano. Throughout his travels by means of Peru, he got here throughout a lot of objects left behind by grave robbers and acknowledged their nice cultural significance. From then on, he devoted a lot of his time and monetary assets to recovering and preserving these cultural property. Over time, he assembled a group of roughly 30,000 items, primarily textile artwork.
Insider tip: You possibly can end exploring this museum in about two hours, leaving you sufficient time to wander by means of Miraflores. Take a stroll to the pier or calm down in one of many space’s scenic inexperienced parks.
4
  Pedro de Osma Museum, Lima
Viceroyalty-era artwork and heritage
Housed in an impressive early Twentieth-century mansion, the Pedro de Osma Museum boasts crucial non-public assortment of Viceroyalty-era artwork in Peru. Eleven thematically organized rooms showcase massive frescoes, work, sculptures, silverwork, and early Andean artwork.
Structure lovers can even discover a lot to admire right here. The French-style constructing options stained-glass home windows, tin ceilings, and crystal chandeliers. In April 2024, it was awarded UNESCO’s ‘Blue Defend’ designation, underscoring its significance as a cultural heritage website.
Mix your museum go to with a stroll by means of the bohemian Barranco district. Alongside the best way, cease to admire the view on the iconic Bridge of Sighs. The Puente de los Suspiros has impressed numerous artworks. From there, observe the Bajada de Baños, a scenic path that leads downhill to a viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Lima and proper as much as the seashores of Barranco. Whilst you’re within the space, don’t miss Isolina, one of many metropolis’s hottest eating places for conventional Criolla delicacies. Their parts are fairly beneficiant and excellent for sharing.
5
 Museum of Italian Artwork, Lima
The museum is housed in an early Twentieth-century constructing donated by the town’s Italian group. It’s the solely museum in Peru devoted to European artwork. This small however exceptional museum shows work, sculptures, drawings, prints, and ceramics by Italian artists from the early Twentieth century.
Insider tip: The museum is situated instantly reverse MALI. Collectively, they make a pleasant pairing for artwork and structure lovers.
Our article on the most effective museums in Peru continues under these trip concepts.
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6
 Museo de Santa Teresa de Virreinal Arte, Arequipa
The Carmelite Monastery (Monasterio de las Carmelitas Descalzas de San José) within the middle of Arequipa dates again to 1710. The monastery has collected work, sculptures, furnishings, gold and silverware, ornamental arts, murals, and on a regular basis objects from numerous eras. In 2005, the monastery opened a museum to make its superb assortment of artifacts accessible to the general public.
Insider tip: Some exhibition rooms shut throughout lunchtime for prayer. Whilst you gained’t see the Carmelite sisters, you may hear them singing and praying by means of the doorways, a very particular expertise! Additionally, don’t miss the scrumptious pastries made by the nuns. You should buy them on the candy store close to the museum entrance.
7
 Machu Picchu Museum, Cusco
Incan artifacts returned by Yale College
The Museo Machu Picchu Casa Concha homes round 360 archaeological artifacts that Hiram Bingham faraway from Peru in 1912 following his excavations at Machu Picchu and despatched to Yale College. After years of negotiations, they have been returned to Peru in 2011. At present, the museum’s everlasting exhibition showcases these lovely artifacts that provide a exceptional glimpse into historic Incan tradition.
Insider tip: The outdated black-and-white images taken by Hiram Bingham throughout the excavation of Machu Picchu are notably fascinating.
8
 Cao Museum & Huaca Cao Viejo, Trujillo
The Treasures of ‘Señora de Cao’ and the Magic of ‘El Brujo’
This museum outdoors Trujillo, on Peru’s north coast, homes the stays and funerary choices of the primary identified feminine ruler from pre-Hispanic instances. The ‘Señora de Cao’ was found in 2005 by Peruvian archaeologist Régulo Franco in Cao Viejo, one of many 4 sacred websites (‘huacas’) on the El Brujo archaeological complicated.
As the primary archaeological proof that ladies in Moche tradition might maintain each political and non secular energy, the invention of the Woman of Cao triggered a sensation!
The museums and sights within the north require a bit extra logistical effort, however they’re nicely value a go to should you can put aside time to discover the area.
9
 Museum of Royal Tombs, Chiclayo
Moche tradition and The Lord of Sipán
Situated in northwestern Peruvian city of Lambayeque, the Museum of the Royal Tombs (Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán) is the ultimate resting place of the Señor de Sipán. He was a strong governor who dominated over the area lengthy earlier than the Incas. Right here, you may admire greater than 2,000 gold objects, jewellery, pottery and funerary choices.
Insider tip: The attention-catching museum constructing is designed to resemble a Moche pyramid. As you wander by means of its winding corridors, you’ll encounter one shock after one other!
10
 LUM Memorial Museum, Lima
Historical past of the Eighties Shining Path rebel
LUM (Lugar de la Memoria, la Tolerancia y la Inclusión Social) commemorates the armed battle that erupted in Peru within the Eighties and 90s between the federal government and guerrilla teams such because the Shining Path.
It paperwork the testimony of 1000’s of witnesses, from civilians to victims of assaults to navy personnel. The museum features a everlasting exhibition, a historic archive, and short-term exhibitions.
Insider tip: A lot of the reveals are in Spanish, which makes it extra appropriate for Spanish-speaking company.
Impressed to find Peru past Machu Picchu? Get in contact with our consultants to create your custom-made itinerary and delve into the area’s wealthy tradition by means of among the greatest museums in Peru.
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