Looking back at our history and cultural heritage, we realize there’s always something new to learn about the civilizations that marked the Peruvian region. However, as if it wasn’t enough, the overall human history and evolutionary process makes us want us to revisit these ancient times to understand the actions that paved the path to our generation.
Unfortunately, there is no time machine to help us learn everything about the past but we can surely deduct enough of it by the relics left behind throughout the eras. Therefore, if you are eager to know more about Peruvian and international history, then you shouldn’t leave this outstanding museum behind.
The Gold Museum of Peru and Weapons of the World holds an extensive collection of gold and silver pieces that were traced back to pre-Columbian cultures. Likewise, the site also offers an exhibition of weapons collected from across the globe, where some of them are over 5,000 years old.
In total, the famous museum in Lima holds more than 25,000 artifacts that represent the evolutionary path of Peru and mankind itself. For that reason, the site is considered one of the most significant museums of South America.
Thanks to the private collection of the entrepreneur and politician Miguel Mujica Gallo, now we have further understanding of the many cultures that influenced the social development of our country. Would you like to know more about the history of Peru? Continue reading and let us show you where to start.
The originally-called Museo del Oro del Peru was founded in 1968 by Miguel Mujica Gallo, an important entrepreneur and politician who became fascinated by anthropology and history throughout his life.
Before the Gold Museum and Weapons of the World was created, Miguel Mujica Gallo traveled around the world, which allowed him to acquire different objects and weapons from different cultures and countries.
Once he set back in Peru, he was offered over 300 archeological pieces obtained by the looting of several archeological sites. Though he was only interested in a ‘Tumi,’ which was a highly ornate ceremonial knife made entirely of solid gold, his wife, Aída Diez-Canseco Bernales, encouraged him to buy the whole collection.
Since then, the pre-Inca and Inca collection grew extensively enough to exhibit it in several countries of the Americas and Europe, sponsored by the Peruvian government. Afterwards, Miguel Mujica Gallo founded the renowned Gold Museum of Peru in 1968, and later he donated the entire collection to the Peruvian state.
Nowadays, the entire exhibition holds over 25,000 artifacts from around the world, including Peruvian gold and silver ornaments, and ceremonial vessels among others. As well as textiles, armors, military uniforms, weapons and even more artifacts from around the world.
- Gold of Peru Gallery
The gallery has an exhibition of over 8,000 pieces made of precious metals, such as gold, silver and even platinum. The collection shows the pre-hispanic development of craftsmanship in Peru through several years.
There are different decorative and ceremonial items of many cultures that were established in the north of Peru, such as the Vicus, Frias, Chancay, Nazca, Mochica, Lambayeque and Chimú cultures.
Now we can understand much more about the symbolism implied in the use of gold and silver during the pre-Columbian era. These metals portrayed a constant duality through time since they were often related to the sun and the moon, day and night, femenin and masculine.
The ancient Peruvians developed techniques that weren’t even practiced in Europe, such as giving the artifact a silver or gold coloration. These pre-Inca cultures were characterized for their impressive goldsmith procedures.
- Weapons of the World Gallery
From the many trips Miguel Mujica Gallo made, he collected around 20,000 weapons belonging to different civilizations and eras, being one of the oldest from the XII century.
Due to the extension of the collection and its well-preserved pieces, it is considered one of the most renowned museums of this category. In addition to the different weapons in this gallery, war uniforms, armors, horse saddles, and others are showcased here.
The exhibition isn’t only focused in the Americas since it holds several items from the Chinese, Japanese, Egypcian cultures, among much more. Likewise, you will be able to admire weapons that belonged to many important historical characters like Miguel Grau, Napoleon, the Tsars of Russia Alexander I, and Simon Bolivar.
The Gold Museum of Peru and Weapons of the World is located within the district of Santiago de Surco. If you wish to visit this attraction, we highly recommend you going on a guided tour so you don’t miss any detail of this significant exhibition.
Luckily for you, we have an exclusive excursion where you’ll get to visit the Historic Center of Lima and the gold museum as well. The Modern and Colonial City Tour + Gold Museum will take you in a full immersion through Peruvian history.
If you’re up to this adventure, make sure to add it in your travel package! Please contact our travel specialists for further information.
Viagens Machu Picchu cares to provide everything you need to have an authentic adventure through our country. Get to know all the special offers we have in Peru travel packages and start planning the trip of your life!
General Information
- Address: Jr. Alonso de Molina 1100, Santiago de Surco, Lima.
- Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday - From 10:30h. to 18:00h.
- Entrance Fee: General Entrance S/. 32.00 - Children S/. 16.00.
