Larco Museum Peru is a testament to the rich culture and history that everyone knows Peru for, celebrated worldwide. From the Pre-Inca, Inca, and then the colonial culture, Peru has so much to say about each of the stages experienced.
Already since its Pre-Inca history with the famous Caral, Sechin, Chavin, Wari Paracas and Chimu cultures have demonstrated their ingenuity in every piece they left behind.
The Incas were the most complex civilization that developed in South America, constituting a vast empire that encompassed the current countries of Peru, Bolivia, a large part of Ecuador, northwestern Argentina and northern Chile.
After this, The Incas were the most complex civilization that developed in South America, constituting a vast empire that encompassed the current countries of Peru, Bolivia, a large part of Ecuador, northwestern Argentina and northern Chile.
The great majority of the pieces of the mentioned cultures, are in the museums of Peru, being a very important one, the Larco Herrera Museum The great majority of the pieces of the mentioned cultures, are in the museums of Peru, being a very important one, the Larco Herrera Museum.
Larco Herrera Museum
The Museo Larco was established in 1926 by Rafael Larco Hoyle, a pioneer of Peruvian archaeology, and it houses a fascinating collection of pre-Columbian art composed of around 45,000 objects.
Situated in an 18th century viceroyalty mansion and surrounded by beautiful gardens, the Museo Larco is a space that stimulates and inspires, where it is possible to enjoy and learn more about the fascinating history of ancient Peru.
Explore more than 5000 years of ancient Peruvian history and the intimate bond that existed between pre-Columbian societies and the natural world.
History of the collection
Rafael Larco Hoyle started the process of gathering together the Museum’s collection with the first piece given to him by his father, Rafael Larco Herrera, in 1923. This was a Moche portrait vessel of enormous artistic quality and detail, depicting a member of that society’s elite wearing a bird’s head headdress and ear adornments.
In 1926, at the age of 25, Rafael Larco Hoyle founded the Museo Larco. With the help of his father, he managed to acquire several archaeological collections from Peru’s northern coast, bringing together some 45,000 pieces.
Faced with the lack of archaeological information of the 1920s, Rafael Larco Hoyle was devoted to the study of ancient Peru. He began his own scientific research and excavated at a number of archaeological sites on Peru’s northern coast. Therefore, he is considered one of the pioneers of Peruvian archaeology.
His investigations led to a series of notable archaeological discoveries, as well as the publication of scientific texts. His stratigraphic studies were important to understand the depth of our pre-Columbian history.
Permanent exhibition
This exhibition takes an in-depth look at the Andean worldview and helps visitors to understand the development of pre-Columbian societies, through an impressive collection of objects.
Visitors can walk between shelves containing 30,000 catalogued ancient pottery artifacts. The Museo Larco was one of the first in the world to open its storerooms to the general public.
The erotic Gallery:
This major collection of pre-Columbian erotic art offers a different and interesting perspective on ancient Peruvian sexuality.
Education
The Museo Larco is a space which seeks to inspire its visitors to connect with the museum’s collection and the history of ancient Peru. Through its exhibitions, educational initiatives, public programs and events, the Museo Larco offers enjoyable, attractive and enriching experiences.
Enjoy an inspiring journey of discovery through the cultures of ancient Peru, in the company of our museum educators. We offer daily visits in Spanish and English, at set times. The capacity is 15 people per group (*subject to change) and spots will be covered on a first-come first-served basis. However, our guides can guide you as part of your complete program or just for this visit However, our guides can guide you as part of your complete program or just for this visit.
Tour Museo Larco and sip pisco sour at Queirolo
Pueblo Libre is like a hidden jewel, quietly waiting to be discovered by tourists. One of its must-see sites is Museo Larco, an incredible museum that houses 30,000 cataloged ancient pottery artifacts – and a cheeky pre-Columbian erotic ceramics collection. After touring Museo Larco (and admiring its lush garden), head over to the legendary Antigua Taberna Queirolo for a proper pisco sour.
