Which museums to visit in Cusco?

Cusco is a city whose historical value is truly significant, often captivating thousands of visitors every day. The Inca civilization and the arrival of the Spanish have left a marked trace on the region's constructions. It allows you to travel through time and delve much deeper into its past.

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to make the most of the hidden history in the imperial city is to visit the best museums in Cusco, but which ones? Right now, we'll tell you!

Most emblematic museums of Cusco

The city of the ancient Inca Empire goes far beyond impressive landscapes. Over time, it has acquired various spaces that allow for a rather close exploration of local history. In this sense, below, we present to you the 7 best museums in Cusco that you shouldn't miss.

1. Inka Museum

Obviously, it is unforgivable to visit the city of the Inca Empire without knowing everything about this ancient civilization. Absolutely, the best way to do it is by going to the Inka Museum. One of the most important features of this place is that it has a variety of mansions and temples.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that its historical value is closely related to the fact that it was previously the residence of the son of Huayna Capac. He was the governor of Tahuantinsuyo before the Spanish colonization.

Other particularities to keep in mind about this museum are:

• It is located exactly at Ataud Street 154, Cusco 08002.
• It brings together one of the largest collections of lithic objects and other elements of the ancient Inca culture.
• The opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• The price of the entrance ticket is S/ 10 for both locals and foreigners.

2. Museum of Religious Art

The Museum of Religious Art in Cusco is one of the most important cultural institutions in the city of Cusco, Peru. This museum is located in the Casa del Almirante, an old colonial residence built on the remains of an Inca structure. The Casa del Almirante is a magnificent example of Spanish colonial architecture in Cusco.

Among other things, the museum houses an impressive collection of sacred art spanning from the colonial period to the present day. We can mention some of its main pieces as paintings, sculptures, altarpieces, goldsmithing, and liturgical objects that reflect the rich religious and cultural history of the region.

Other important information about the museum:

• This museum was officially founded in the year 1968.
• It is located in the Casa del Almirante, at Herrajes Street 368, just a few steps from Plaza de Armas.
• The opening hours are from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• The entrance fee is S/ 15 per person and S/ 7.5 for students.

3. Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (MAP) in Cusco is a prominent institution that exhibits a rich collection of artifacts and artworks from various pre-Columbian cultures of South America. As expected, its focus on the aesthetics and art of these pre-Columbian cultures is predominant in this museum.

One of its most significant features is that it presents a wide range of artifacts ranging from ceramics, textiles, precious metals, sculptures, and ritual objects to everyday tools. The exhibitions are designed to highlight the creativity, symbolism, and technical mastery of ancestral artists.

Other important data about the museum are:

• It is located at Plaza Nazarenas 231, in the historic center of the city of Cusco.
• It was founded in the year 2003, being one of the newest in the region.
• The opening hours are from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
• The general admission fee is S/ 20 and S/ 10 for students.

4. Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art Cusco is another must-visit if you decide to visit the imperial city. One of the most interesting qualities of this museum is that it has approximately 300 artistic works of different styles. These all belong to local and foreign artists.

On the other hand, the exhibition rooms frequently showcase art exhibitions for new artists who want to make their way in this interesting world. Likewise, painters can present their work collectively. One of the most relevant works in the place is "Río Vilcanota" by the painter Remigia Mendoza.

Other relevant data about the museum:

• It was founded in the year 1995.
• It is located at Espinar Street 270, Cuzco 08002, Peru.
• The opening hours are from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Generally, access to the museum is completely free.

5. Museum of Popular Art

The Museum of Popular Art Cusco is part of the American Art Institute. It brings together many of the best pieces of popular art from the imperial city since 1940. Most of this collection was acquired, properly, at the Christmas fair of Santurantikuy.

Among the popular works present in this museum, there are creations by local artists, such as Edilberto Mérida and Nemesio Villasante. Undoubtedly, it is a good stop to make the most of the local culture. Among other things, it exhibits works in ceramics, clay sculptures, grotesque art, and more.

Other additional information about the museum you should know:

• The museum was founded in the year 1936.
• It is located at Avenida Sol, Tourist Galleries number 103, Cusco.
• It has opening hours from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm.

6. Regional Historical Museum of Cusco

The Regional Historical Museum of Cusco is an important cultural destination dedicated to preserving, researching, and exhibiting the history and cultural heritage of the Cusco region, Peru. This museum offers a detailed look at the rich history of the city and its surroundings. We can find from the pre-Inca period to the colonial and Republican eras aspects.

It is worth mentioning that the building itself is a living testimony to the fusion of Inca and Spanish cultures in the region. The colonial architecture and museum exhibitions offer a unique perspective on the history and culture of Cusco and its evolution over the centuries.

Interesting information about the museum:

• It was founded in the year 1968.
• It is located at Calle Heladeros s/n, Casa del Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, Cuzco.
• The opening hours are from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Entry to the museum is included in the cost of tourist tickets.

7. Temple of Qoricancha Museum

The Temple of Qoricancha Museum is also known as the Qoricancha Site Museum. It is a cultural institution located in the Temple of Qoricancha. Which is one of the most important archaeological sites in Cusco, Peru. Qoricancha was the main Inca temple dedicated to the worship of the sun and was one of the most sacred sites of the Inca Empire.

Currently, this is one of the most popular museums in Cusco due to the amount of history it houses. It consists of a total of 5 rooms where it is possible to appreciate everything from paintings to sculptures. Additionally, there is a scale model depicting the ancient Qoricancha temple.

Other interesting information about the museum:

• The temple was founded around the 13th century.
• The museum is located at Avenida El Sol 526, Cusco.
• The opening hours are from Monday to Sunday between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, with a tour time of 1 hour.
• The entrance fee is included in the tourist ticket.

Experience the magic of Peru in person and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!

As you have noticed, Cusco has much to offer, and there is still more to explore. Peru is a country full of countless possibilities waiting to be discovered. If you want to explore the imperial city and create memorable experiences, don't hesitate to join the Cusco City Tour.

We are eager to guide you through the best of the Inca country! Are you ready? Then get ready for your journey!