Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

The Museo de Arqueología y Antropología is a major national museum in Lima that displays over 100,000 objects from different periods of Peruvian history. The collection documents human settlements and cultures from the earliest times to the present day.

The museum was founded in 1919 and grew into a leading institution for archaeological and anthropological research in South America. A major reorganization in 1992 under the National Institute of Culture helped restructure the collection according to modern museum standards.

The collection displays works like the Manos Cruzadas of Kotosh and decorated ceramics that reveal how ancient people crafted everyday and ritual objects. These pieces provide insight into the artistic traditions and practical skills of different Peruvian societies across time.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 7:30 PM, and visitors can register online before or during their visit. Virtual tours are available on the official website if you want to plan ahead or explore from home beforehand.

In 1981, a major theft occurred at the museum when thieves took about 220 gold and silver objects, marking a turning point for the institution's security measures. This event led to stronger protective protocols that remain in place today.

Location: Lima

Inception: October 21, 1919

Official opening: October 21, 1919

GPS coordinates: -12.05461,-77.03231

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:16