Best Museums in Lima: Our Top Choices

Lima has an incredibly diverse selection of museums, ranging from pre-Inca textile and ceramics to some of South America’s finest contemporary art. The captivating history of Peru is excently portrayed. Across the city, artifacts dating back as much as 5000 years can be found amongst portraits of modern day icons. Learn more about the best museums in Lima below.

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Museo Larco

Address: Av Pedro de Osma 409, Barranco
Artifacts dating back as far as 5000 years ago can be found in this beautifully laid out museum. Some of the work on display is quite abstract and includes traditional erotic pots from ancient times. The permanent collection is made up of unique ceramics, textiles, and metalworks, but it is the naughty erotic pots that are the main talking point among visitors. The beautiful garden outside is the perfect place to chill out and enjoy some local cuisine from the on-site restaurant.

Museo Amano

Address: Retiro 160, Miraflores
Museo Amano has become a popular place for people to pop in for short visits due to its convenient location in the bustling Miraflores. The incredible display was opened by a Japanese businessman who collected objects that had been discarded by tombraiders. Ceramics, wares, lace and other textiles associated with the Chimu, Nazca and Chancay cultures can be found on display.

The Lima Art Museum (MALI)

Address: Parque de la Exposición, Paseo Colon 125, Cercado de Lima
The LIMA Art Museum, locally known as MALI, is one of the best museums in Lima. It is located in a recently renovated stunning beaux-arts building. The museum is home to the city’s largest collection of paintings, photography, artifacts and pottery, making it easy to get lost in the incredible display and spend the full day here. Entry is only S1 on Sunday.

MATE Museum

Address: Av. Pedro de Osma 409, Barranco 15063
The bohemian quarter of Lima is home to many incredible artists which makes it a very fitting location for this beautiful contemporary art museum. The museum is one of the best museums in Lima. It is also one of the city’s newest as it only opened in 2012 but it has made a fantastic name for itself in that short time. The work is dedicated to the work of Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino as well as other Peruvian artists and a number of well-regarded international talents.

San Francisco Church Museum and Catacombs

Address: Jirón Lampa, Cercado de Lima 15001
Dating back to the 16th century, this amazing church and convent provides a fascinating insight into the religious life during Spanish colonial times. Its significance as an important historical site its significance was recognised in 1991 when it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features impressive baroque paintings, colonial architecture and vintage Spanish tiles as well as an unusual surprise below the church. It is estimated that 30,000 deceased bodies rest beneath the church where a burial site used to exist until 1808. Guided tours last around 1.5 hours and can be done through Spanish or English.

Best Museums in Lima: Museo Pedro de Osma

Address: Pedro de Osma 421, Barranco 15063
This museum can be found in Barranco in the beautiful family home of Pedro de Osma Gildmeister (1901-1967). A large collection of his paintings, sculptures, furniture and silver are on display along with many more beautiful pieces. Many believe this museum has one of the most impressive collections of Peruvian artwork for the fifth to eighteenth centuries. Discover why this is one of the best museums in Lima.

Museo Pisco

Address: Jirón Carabaya 193, Distrito de Lima
Museo pisco is not your typical museum and nor is it recognised by the city as one. Although, you will leave with an extensive knowledge of Peru’s national drink. A visit to Museo Pisco consists of everything from bartending classes on how to make pisco cocktails to history courses on the nation’s favorite drink.

Lima is steeped in history and culture and the museums of the city do a marvelous job at expressing this. If you plan on visiting, make sure to set some time aside to see one or more of the attractions listed above.

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