Peru is best-known for the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu, but it also boasts several world-class museums that showcase the country’s rich historical, archaeological and cultural heritage. Their impressive collections have been brought to life by an incredible team of curators and private collectors, who work passionately to preserve these priceless treasures for future generations.
Our Trip Coordinator, Claudia Coral, who lives in the capital city of Lima, has handpicked her top 10 museums in Peru that you shouldn’t miss during your exploration of this fascinating country.
1
Larco Museum, Lima
Ancient Peruvian history
The Museo Larco, located in Lima’s Pueblo Libre district, was founded in 1926 by Rafael Larco Hoyle, a pioneer in Peruvian archaeology. The museum is housed within a viceroyalty mansion amid beautiful gardens.
Step inside and travel back more than 5,000 years to ancient Peru. The Museo Larco’s impressive private collection includes around 45,000 exhibits. Its lovingly presented sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry provide a fantastic overview of the various pre-Columbian civilizations. A particularly interesting highlight is the museum’s collection of erotic Moche ceramics.
Insider tip: After your visit, unwind at the museum’s charming garden café, where you can enjoy a coffee or light lunch surrounded by bougainvillea bushes.
You should visit one of the historic taverns in the Pueblo Libre district. I recommend El Bolivariano or La Antigua Taberna Queirolo. Treat yourself to a classic Pisco Sour or Chilcano and sample some typical Peruvian dishes
2
Lima Art Museum (MALI)
Art and Architecture
Situated in the historic centre of Lima, the Palacio de la Exposición is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. It was built in 1869 as a venue for art and industrial exhibitions, and has housed the Museo de Arte de Lima – MALI (Museum of Art in Lima – MALI) since 1961.
The museum’s collection is organized according to the different periods of Peruvian history – pre-Columbian, colonial, republican, and modern. In addition to paintings and photographs, its 17,000 exhibits include ceramics and textiles from pre-Hispanic times and furniture from the colonial period.
Insider tip: Don’t miss ‘La Noche del Museo‘ (Museum Night), which is held on the last Friday of every month. The museum transforms into a vibrant stage for art, music, and dance. This is a wonderful way to experience Lima’s vibrant art scene up close.
3
Amano Museum, Lima
Pre-Columbian textile art
The modern Museo Amano in the Miraflores district is considered one of the best museums in Peru for pre-Columbian textile art. Here, you can marvel at a wide range of fabrics, fashion, and colorful designs.
The museum was founded in 1964 by Japanese businessman Yoshitaro Amano. During his travels through Peru, he came across a large number of objects left behind by grave robbers and recognized their great cultural significance. From then on, he devoted much of his time and financial resources to recovering and preserving these cultural assets. Over the years, he assembled a collection of approximately 30,000 pieces, primarily textile art.
Insider tip: You can finish exploring this museum in about two hours, leaving you enough time to wander through Miraflores. Take a stroll to the pier or relax in one of the area’s scenic green parks.
4
Pedro de Osma Museum, Lima
Viceroyalty-era art and heritage
Housed in a magnificent early 20th-century mansion, the Pedro de Osma Museum boasts the most important private collection of Viceroyalty-era art in Peru. Eleven thematically arranged rooms showcase large frescoes, paintings, sculptures, silverwork, and early Andean art.
Architecture enthusiasts will also find much to admire here. The French-style building features stained-glass windows, tin ceilings, and crystal chandeliers. In April 2024, it was awarded UNESCO’s ‘Blue Shield’ designation, underscoring its importance as a cultural heritage site.
Combine your museum visit with a stroll through the bohemian Barranco district. Along the way, stop to admire the view at the iconic Bridge of Sighs. The Puente de los Suspiros has inspired countless works of art. From there, follow the Bajada de Baños, a scenic path that leads downhill to a viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Lima and right up to the beaches of Barranco. While you’re in the area, don’t miss Isolina, one of the city’s most popular restaurants for traditional Criolla cuisine. Their portions are quite generous and perfect for sharing.
5
Museum of Italian Art, Lima
The museum is housed in an early 20th-century building donated by the city’s Italian community. It is the only museum in Peru dedicated to European art. This small but remarkable museum displays paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and ceramics by Italian artists from the early 20th century.
Insider tip: The museum is located directly opposite MALI. Together, they make a delightful pairing for art and architecture enthusiasts.
Our article on the best museums in Peru continues below these vacation ideas.
Travel Inspiration for You
6
Museo de Santa Teresa de Virreinal Arte, Arequipa
The Carmelite Monastery (Monasterio de las Carmelitas Descalzas de San José) in the center of Arequipa dates back to 1710. The monastery has collected paintings, sculptures, furniture, gold and silverware, decorative arts, murals, and everyday objects from various eras. In 2005, the monastery opened a museum to make its amazing collection of artifacts accessible to the public.
Insider tip: Some exhibition rooms close during lunchtime for prayer. While you won’t see the Carmelite sisters, you can hear them singing and praying through the doors, a truly special experience! Also, don’t miss the delicious pastries made by the nuns. You can buy them at the sweet shop near the museum entrance.
7
Machu Picchu Museum, Cusco
Incan artifacts returned by Yale University
Chalisimo5, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Common
The Museo Machu Picchu Casa Concha houses around 360 archaeological artifacts that Hiram Bingham removed from Peru in 1912 following his excavations at Machu Picchu and sent to Yale University. After years of negotiations, they were returned to Peru in 2011. Today, the museum’s permanent exhibition showcases these beautiful artifacts that offer a remarkable glimpse into ancient Incan culture.
Insider tip: The old black-and-white photographs taken by Hiram Bingham during the excavation of Machu Picchu are particularly fascinating.
8
Cao Museum & Huaca Cao Viejo, Trujillo
The Treasures of ‘Señora de Cao’ and the Magic of ‘El Brujo’
This museum outside Trujillo, on Peru’s north coast, houses the remains and funerary offerings of the first known female ruler from pre-Hispanic times. The ‘Señora de Cao’ was discovered in 2005 by Peruvian archaeologist Régulo Franco in Cao Viejo, one of the four sacred sites (‘huacas’) at the El Brujo archaeological complex.
As the first archaeological evidence that women in Moche culture could hold both political and religious power, the discovery of the Lady of Cao caused a sensation!
The museums and sights in the north require a bit more logistical effort, but they are well worth a visit if you can set aside time to explore the region.
9
Museum of Royal Tombs, Chiclayo
Moche culture and The Lord of Sipán
Located in northwestern Peruvian town of Lambayeque, the Museum of the Royal Tombs (Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán) is the final resting place of the Señor de Sipán. He was a powerful governor who ruled over the region long before the Incas. Here, you can admire more than 2,000 gold objects, jewelry, pottery and funerary offerings.
Insider tip: The eye-catching museum building is designed to resemble a Moche pyramid. As you wander through its winding corridors, you’ll encounter one surprise after another!
10
LUM Memorial Museum, Lima
History of the 1980s Shining Path insurrection
LUM (Lugar de la Memory, la Tolerancia y la Inclusión Social) commemorates the armed conflict that erupted in Peru in the 1980s and 90s between the government and guerrilla groups such as the Shining Path.
It documents the testimony of thousands of witnesses, from civilians to victims of attacks to military personnel. The museum includes a permanent exhibition, a historical archive, and temporary exhibitions.
Insider tip: Most of the exhibits are in Spanish, which makes it more suitable for Spanish-speaking guests.
Inspired to discover Peru beyond Machu Picchu? Get in touch with our experts to create your customized itinerary and delve into the region’s rich culture through some of the best museums in Peru.
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