Museums & Galleries in Lima

Housed in an exquisite 18th-century vice-royal mansion built over a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid, the Larco Museum showcases Peru's finest archaeological collection. Founded in 1926, it displays over 45,000 ceramic pieces covering 5,000 years of pre-Columbian art. Highlights include the Gallery of Cultures, spectacular Gold and Silver Galleries with five specialized rooms, and the famous collection of erotic pottery. Set in beautiful gardens in the Pueblo Libre neighborhood, the museum offers chronological exhibits featuring Moche, Chimu, Nazca, and other ancient cultures. An excellent restaurant is located on-site.

Located in the beautiful Palacio de la Exposición in Exposition Park, MALI showcases 3,000 years of Peruvian art history with over 18,000 pieces in its collection. The museum covers 4,500 square meters with 34 exhibition rooms displaying pre-Columbian, Colonial, Republican, and Modern art. Highlights include Luis Montero's monumental painting 'The Funerals of Inca Atahualpa,' traditional Khipu weaving, colorful Inca textiles, and works by photographer Martin Chambi. The building itself is an outstanding restoration of a 19th-century exhibition hall. Features a library, shop, café, and offers courses and workshops.

Located on the border between Barranco and Miraflores, MAC Lima is the only museum dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary art in the city. Founded in 2013, it promotes Peruvian and international contemporary art through thought-provoking exhibitions featuring paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works. The museum sits beside a peaceful lagoon, making it perfect for cultural events, live shows, and workshops that highlight the creativity of Peru's artists. The exhibitions often explore themes of Peruvian society, politics, and history through contemporary lenses.

This elegant colonial mansion in Barranco houses an exceptional collection of Peruvian colonial art and decorative arts. Visitors can admire period furnishings, stunning religious artworks, silver and gold pieces, paintings, and delicate textiles that celebrate the artistic legacy of colonial Peru. The museum provides an immersive experience into the lifestyle and art of colonial-era aristocrats, with well-preserved sculptures, furniture, and religious artifacts beautifully displayed to transport visitors back in time to Lima's colonial period.