The pre-Columbian art museum in Cusco is very-well located, close to the Plaza de Armas, in the lovely town center. It was founded in 2003. It is housed in an Ancient Inca ceremonial center, which became the house of a Spanish conqueror in the 16th century. The museum is a typical South American patio. The private collection displays about 450 pre-Columbian masterpieces from various civilizations and was taken from the stunning storage area of the Larco Museum in Lima . While most museums in Peru present those pieces as pure architecture, the pre-Colombian art museum in Cusco has a more original approach. Indeed, it aims at reinterpreting the plastic message of pre-Columbian civilizations, showing each piece of art with a specific angle and a particular light. The disposition of each of the 11 galleries is unique and was designed to display the works of art together with quotations from great authors and artists explaining them, or making their message clearer. The museum is a true wonder of primitive art, the technical aspects of each piece fade away to give more importance to the beauty of its shape, its lines, and its colors. It has an amazing collection of ceramic, jewelry made of seashell and bones, gold and silver, and wooden art.

 

It is the most visited museum in Cusco and is worldwide considered for its originality and the preciousness of the collection.

 

               The museum also has a very elegant café, the Map café, where you can have lunch, dinner or just a drink. The Map café is made of wide glass windows, so the visitor can have a really direct and intimate view over the museum. At night the sight is lit up, giving a very private atmosphere to the place.

 

               In the Galería del museo, the Hstern shop and in the Alpaca 111 shop, you will find lots of souvenirs, replicas of pieces that you can find in the museum, and clothes made of Peruvian fabrics (such as lama for example…)

 

 

MAP – General information

 

Plaza de las Nazarenas 231. CUSCO – PERÚ

Monday to Sunday: 09:00 am – 10:00 pm

 

(Daily including holidays)

 

General admission: S/. 20.00

Students: S/. 10.00