Cusco Museums

Although Cuzco is something of a museum in itself, there are various excellent collections in the city, particularly of pre-Colombian art.

Museo de Arte Precolombino Address: Plaza de las Nazarenas, Cuzco, Peru, Tel: 084 233210 (map.perucultural.org.pe)

The pre-Columbian art museum is an excellent way to explore the civilizations that presided in Peru for thousands of years prior to the Spanish “discovery” of this fantastic land. It is hosted in the house of a 16th century Conquistador which was previously the site of an Inca ceremonial center. The oldest of the 450 pieces on display dates back to as early as 1250 BC and the collection includes works of gold, silver and jewelry amongst other pieces – many of which were taken from the prestigious Larco Museum in Lima. Perhaps the unique approach to the presentation of these are what makes the museum so special; they are displayed in the same manner as a contemporary art gallery would display its latest collection, with stylish angled light and decoration adorning these precious objects.  This is juxtaposed with quotations by artists and authors that give insight into the artifacts, done in such a way that allows visitors to relate to the indigenous artists who originally created them.

Museo Inka, Cuesta del Almirante 103, Entrance $4

Museo Inka is housed in a fabulous colonial mansion El Palacio del Almirante. The museum is exceptionally well layed out, using the space well to display the development of civilization in the Andes and Peru. Amongst the exhibits here are Inca Mummies, skulls with trepanned holes, quality Inca textiles and various other trinkets, ceramics and carved wooden and painted drinking vessels – or queros – supposedly the largest such collection in the world. The building itself is a good example of the fusion between Inca foundations and Spanish colonial architecture, which is characteristically decorated in a detailed and ornate fashion.

The Natural History Museum Entrance 30c

The Natural History Museum is a glance into the biodiversity of plant and wildlife in Peru. It covers the three distinct regions of Peru, the Jungle, the Sierra and the Coast with displays of flora and fauna from these regions. Some interesting stuffed mammals, reptiles and birds amongst a diverse array of exhibits. The museum is housed in the interior of a Jesuit University building.

Museo de Arte Contemporania,  Entrance with Cuzco Tourist Ticket

This museum is a fresh look at the artistic heritage of Cuzco, with local modern artists making various interpretations of their city. The first and third rooms both display artwork that has been directly influenced by Cuzco; city scenes; historic images; Inca architecture; while the second room is dedicated to other influences, and has markedly more abstract pieces. There is also a small courtyard that has exhibits of Native masks and models of various buildings in Cuzco.

Museo Histórico Regional y Casa Garcilaso, Entrance with Cuzco Tourist Ticket

This building is so called because it was the last residence of the writer Garcilaso de la Vega, who wrote the famous Comentarios Reales de los Incas - this has been recognized by some historians as the most accurate primary source on Inca History. The mansion hosts a diverse array of displays from Cusqueñan history, from significant archeological finds in the region to Historical artwork from the city. There are a number of pre-Inca artifacts from across Peru, such as ceramics and mummies alongside fascinating Inca items such as architectural tools, gold and silver jewelry, and also delicate objects crafted in precious metals. There are also a number of items collected from the colonial period, and upstairs technological innovations brought by the Europeans, including cannons and steel weaponry, can be viewed.