All ancient art museums to visit in Peru

Step back in time with the fascinating collections of 10 ancient art museums in Peru. Marvel at artifacts, sculptures, and relics from ancient civilizations that tell the story of human history.

Do you have a fascination with ancient history and art? These are the top ancient art museums in Peru:

  1. Larco Museum1

    Larco Museum

     Pueblo Libre
    The Larco Museum, officially known as Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, is a privately owned institution dedicated to the display and preservation of pre-Columbian art. It is situated in the Pueblo Libre District of Lima, Peru. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, providing a comprehensive overview of 5,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history.
  2. Lima Art Museum2

    Lima Art Museum

     Lima
    The Lima Art Museum, also known as Museo de Arte de Lima or MALI, is a renowned art museum situated in Lima, Peru. The museum is housed in the Palacio de la Exposición and was officially opened to the public in 1961. It is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art forms and historical artifacts.
  3. Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum3

    Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

     Lambayeque
    The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum, located in Lambayeque, Peru, is a significant cultural site that showcases discoveries from the Huaca Rajada complex. This complex is considered the most important funerary complex of the Moche culture discovered to date. The museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and culture of the Moche civilization.
  4. Museum of Pre-Columbian Art4

    Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

     Cusco
    The Pre-Columbian Art Museum, also known by its Spanish acronym MAP, is an art museum located in Cusco, Peru. The museum is dedicated to showcasing archaeological artifacts and pre-Columbian artworks from all regions of pre-Columbian Peru. This provides a comprehensive view of the rich cultural heritage of the region before the arrival of the Spanish.
  5. Museum of Italian Art5

    Museum of Italian Art

     Lima
    The Museum of Italian Art boasts a diverse collection of bronze and marble sculptures, paintings, and ceramics from over 120 Italian artists from the early 20th century. This collection provides a comprehensive overview of Italian art during this period, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in art history.
  6. Museum of the Nation6

    Museum of the Nation

     San Borja
    The Museum of the Nation was home to an extensive collection of over 12,500 pre-Hispanic pieces. These included collections of ceramics, metals, and textiles from various cultures such as Paracas, Moche, Wari, and Lima. In addition, the museum also housed more than 2,500 historical pieces of art from the colonial and republican era, providing a comprehensive view of Peru's rich cultural heritage.
  7. Museo de Arte (Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos)7

    Museo de Arte (Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos)

     Lima
    The Museo de Arte de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (MA SM) is an academic institution situated in Cercado de Lima, Lima, Peru. It is a part of the National University of San Marcos and is dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition, and study of the university's historical and artistic heritage.
  8. The Municipal Art Gallery Ignacio Merino8

    The Municipal Art Gallery Ignacio Merino

     Lima
    The Municipal Art Gallery Ignacio Merino, also known as the Pinacoteca de Lima, is a significant cultural institution in Lima, Peru. Managed by the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima, the gallery is dedicated to promoting artistic education, experimentation, research, knowledge generation, artistic creation, and cultural exchange in an inclusive manner.
  9. Museum of Religious Art9

    Museum of Religious Art

     Cusco
    The Museum of Religious Art of the Archbishop's Palace in Cusco is home to the most comprehensive collection of viceregal religious art from the Cusco School, a style that flourished primarily in the 17th and 18th centuries. This collection provides a unique insight into the fusion of indigenous and Spanish artistic traditions during the colonial period.
  10. Museo de Sitio Huaca Rajada-Sipán10

    Museo de Sitio Huaca Rajada-Sipán

     Sipán
    The Museo de Sitio Huaca Rajada-Sipán is a Peruvian museum located in the district of Saña, in the province of Chiclayo, in the department of Lambayeque. This location is important for tourists to know as it helps them plan their visit to the museum.