Marvel at the same precious stones that drew the attention of 16th-century Spanish conquistadors and discover the rituals of Peru's ancient tribes.
Experience a dazzling collection of gold and silver artefacts in the Gold Museum. This institution houses Peru’s largest collection of gold relics and provides a valuable insight into the metalwork of ancient cultures. Browse more than 7,000 treasures, ranging from precious stones to artworks. A fascinating weapons exhibit displays over 20,000 tools of war. Plan your visit over the museums two floors, which are heavily reinforced to protect its valuables. Inside, a large vault protects the site's most precious items.
Peruse a number of striking exhibits and find tools created by the Chimu people, a pre-Inca tribe dating back to A.D. 900. Inspect the Tumi, an ancient ceremonial knife, which was used for sacrificial rituals of the tribe. Browse an exhibit of the Moche people, a tribe who existed in A.D. 100. Learn about their curious culture, which involved decorating themselves with sparkling ornaments and nose rings. Exhibits also display sandals, clothes and other everyday objects used by these tribe members.
Delve into humanity's violent past as you inspect armour, swords and war uniforms in the Weapons of the World exhibit. Some of these relics date back to the 13th century. Many items are from the Peruvian struggle for independence.
Much of this collection was donated by Peruvian diplomat, Miguel Mujica Gallo, in the 1960s. You may hear the museum called the Museo de Oro del Perú y Armas del Mundo (Peru’s Gold Museum and Weapons of the World) because of its significant arms exhibit.
Find the Gold Museum in the Santiago de Surco region, in Lima's southeast district. Get there by taxi from the city's central Playa Mayor. This 15-kilometre (9-mile) journey can be organised cheaply and easily through tourism agencies. Most tours offer hotel pick up and drop off for your convenience. The museum charges an entry fee and offers English guided tours.
