Rafael Larco Herrera Museum

The Rafael Larco Herrera Museum is one of the most fascinating destinations for lovers of pre-Columbian archaeology. Located in Lima, Peru, this museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and artworks spanning over 5,000 years of history, allowing us to explore and understand the legacy of ancient Peruvian civilizations, such as the Moche, Chimú, and Inca cultures. The museum exhibits a wide range of objects, including ceramics, textiles, jewelry, sculptures, and many other artifacts of great historical and artistic value. In this article, we will learn more about the history, location, how to get there, and what to see at the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum.

History of the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum

The history of the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum is closely linked to the passion and dedication of Peruvian archaeologist Rafael Larco Herrera. During his archaeological expeditions on the northern coast of Peru, Larco Herrera made important discoveries and excavations at sites such as the tomb of the Lord of Sipán and the huacas of Moche and Huanchaco.

Impressed by the wealth and beauty of the artifacts he found, Larco Herrera decided to found the Larco Museum in the city of Trujillo in 1926. In its early days, the museum housed a small collection that quickly attracted the attention and recognition of experts in archaeology. Over time, and thanks to constant research and acquisitions, the museum’s collection grew significantly.

In 1956, the museum was moved to its current location in Lima, where it was established as the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum. Since then, the museum has continued to grow and consolidate itself as one of the main references in the study and dissemination of pre-Columbian archaeology in Peru and around the world.

Location

The Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum is located at Avenida Bolívar 1515, in the Pueblo Libre district, Lima, Peru. This privileged location allows visitors to easily access the museum from different points in the city.

How to Get There

If you are in the center of Lima, you can take a taxi and ask the driver to take you to the Larco Museum in Pueblo Libre. The journey should take approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic. On the other hand, if you prefer to drive yourself, you can reach the museum by following the GPS directions or using a map application on your smartphone to quickly and safely reach the museum.

If you prefer to use public transportation, you can take the Metropolitano, a bus line that crosses the city of Lima. You should take the route heading to the “Estadio Nacional” station. Once you arrive at this station, you can take a taxi or even walk to the museum, which is about 15 minutes away.

What to See at the Museum

The Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum offers its visitors a wide variety of exhibitions and thematic galleries that showcase the richness and diversity of Peru’s pre-Columbian archaeology.

The main exhibition of the museum takes us on a fascinating journey through the Moche, Chimú, and Inca cultures. We can admire unique pieces of ceramics, sculptures, textiles, and jewelry that reflect the skill and creativity of these ancient artists. Each of these cultures shows its own worldview, conveying its beliefs and customs through works of art.

One of the most outstanding and surprising exhibitions at the Larco Museum is the Erotic Gallery. This unique collection in the world exhibits a wide variety of ceramics and artworks representing erotic scenes from the ancient Moche culture. These representations not only reveal the most intimate aspects of daily life but also allow us to understand the importance of sexuality in the cosmology and religion of this ancient culture.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Larco Museum also presents temporary exhibitions that explore different aspects of pre-Columbian archaeology. These exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to discover new findings and approaches in the field of archaeological research.

The Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum is an invaluable treasure that allows us to learn and appreciate the richness of Peru’s pre-Columbian cultures. Its impressive collection and its strategic location in Lima make this museum a must-visit for all lovers of archaeology and history. If you find yourself in Lima, do not hesitate to visit the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of ancient Peruvian civilizations.

WE ARE OPEN EVERY DAY!

• Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  Reduced hours: December 24, 25, 31 and January 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Rates

• General admission S/ 35.00
• Senior citizens (over 60 years old with ID) S/ 30.00
• Students (with ID) S/ 17.00
• Minors (up to 17 years old, with ID) S/ 17.00
• Children up to 8 years old Free*.

*This rate applies only for minors accompanied by direct relatives up to third degree of consanguinity (parents, older siblings, grandparents or aunts and uncles) and for a maximum of 3 children per family group.