Claire Dean
Claire Dean

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!

The Best Art Shows in Peru

The best art shows in Peru

4MINREAD

Written by:Claire Dean

Published: 2022-06-28

With so many unique artists within its boundaries, Peru has plenty of galleries to show off the unique and diverse talents of its creative artists. Throughout Peruvian history, art has been an integral part of Peruvian culture. Here is a list of the best art galleries to visit while in Peru. Collections include pre-Columbian pieces, classic colonial works, modern art, photography and more. 

 

The Art Museum (MALI) on your Lima Peru tours, is an all-encompassing museum that showcases the past 3000 years of art in Peru in a permanent collection of over 18,000 pieces. Covering pre-Columbian, Colonial, Republican and Modern eras, MALI is an iconic museum not only for the number of artifacts and artworks but also for its dedication to conservation and restoration.

Lima Museum

 

WU Galería, Lima


Found in the Barranco neighborhood, this is one of the nicest, small-end galleries in Lima, offering a space to young Peruvian artists, as well as providing a professional art consultancy service. It specializes in discovering new artistic talent to introduce to the commercial art world.

 

Barranco has earned a reputation as the bohemian district of Lima because of its bright buildings, beautiful street art, and charming streets. It’s also home to Lima’s best bars and some of its best restaurants – and definitely some of the best coffee shops. The Plaza is the central hub of Barranco so head there when you visit Lima.

Barranco Square, Lima

 

Galería Lucía de la Puente


A small yet beautiful space promoting young Peruvian art, the gallery houses both paintings and photography exhibitions. Since 1995, the Lucia de la Puente gallery has been promoting different Peruvian artists with already established careers and showing the work of many of the most important artists in the field. A must-see in Barranco, also, which is the bohemian neighborhood in Lima.

 

Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC)

One of Lima’s largest museums for contemporary art, MAC showcases 20th as well as 21st-century art from both Peruvian and international artists. At any given time, Mac will have at least two of its three buildings devoted to only one or two artists. After finishing your tour, grab a bite to eat or enjoy a craft beer at the MAC restaurant.

 

The glass cube structure of MAC sits pretty at the entrance of Lima’s bohemian neighborhood, Barranco. Having opened in 2013, it is one of the youngest cultural centers on this list yet one of the best museums in Peru thanks to its spacious outdoor area and interactive exhibits. Visit when you travel to Lima Peru.

Contemporary Art Museum, Lima

 


MATE

MATE is Barranco’s art gallery dedicated to the great Peruvian photographer Mario Testino, who was born in Lima. The gallery is the largest collection of his work with seven rooms dedicated to his intimate photographs of celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Kate Moss, Orlando Bloom and many more. A room dedicated to Testino’s photographs of Peruvians has recently been added, alongside a space dedicated to guest artists.

 

 The MATE Mario Testino Museum is a renowned cultural institution located in Lima, Peru. Named after the world-famous Peruvian photographer Mario Testino, the museum is dedicated to showcasing and preserving the works of this influential artist and other contemporary photographers.  Make sure you pass by on your Peru vacation package!

MATE Art Museum, Lima

 

The Lima Art Museum (MALI)


This museum houses Lima’s largest collection of photography, paintings, pottery, decorations and artifacts. In addition to pre-Columbian and colonial art, MALI also has a collection of contemporary Peruvian art. With such a large and diverse selection to navigate, give yourself at least a couple of hours to enjoy all the exhibits.

 

Museo de Art de Lima (MALI)  showcases the past 3000 years of art in Peru in a permanent collection of more than 18,000 pieces. Covering pre-Columbian, Colonial, Republican, and Modern eras, MALI is an iconic museum not only for the number of artifacts and artworks but also for its dedication to conservation and restoration. Make sure you visit on you Lima Peru Tours.

Lima Art Museum

 

Museo de Arte Pre-Colombino


Located inside an Inca ceremonial house in the center of Cusco, that dates back to 1450 AD, this is Peru’s only museum dedicated to ancient Peruvian art. Inside you’ll find a collection of 450 pieces that date from 1250 BC to 1532 AD. The artworks are all from Lima’s Museo Larco’s storage collection, and descriptions in various languages help to give you a fuller picture and understanding of the people who created them.

 

Inside a Spanish colonial mansion with an Inca ceremonial courtyard, this pre-Columbian art museum showcases a stunningly varied collection of archaeological artifacts previously buried in the vast storerooms of Lima’s Museo Larco. Visit on your Cusco City Tour.

Pre-Columbine Art Museum, Cusco

 

Museo Quijote


This private collection of paintings and sculptures in Cusco,  represents both historical and contemporary pieces. It offers many translations in English and gives museum visitors detailed background on 20th-century Peruvian art.

 

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo


Located in a beautiful building in Arequipa, Peru. This place has both permanent and temporary exhibits, displaying some of Peru’s most well-known artists as well as several lesser known, local artists.

 

Arequipa is dedicated to preserving its heritage. Each museum tells a part of the city’s history, showing how society and culture have changed over time. Visitors often leave with a new appreciation for the beauty and stories of these museums. The Contemporary Art Museum is definitely worth a visit on your Arequipa tours.

Contemporary Art Museum, Arequipa

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