Lima, with its cosmopolitan vibe and ever-growing population, offers a lot of opportunities to learn more about Peru and its rich culture and history. However the staff at Perú InsideOut agree that no visit to Lima is complete without a tour of the Museo Larco (Larco Museum).
Founded originally by Rafael Larco Hoyle, a collector of pre-Columbian artifacts, the museum now represents thousands of years of history and over 50,000 items are on view. While all items may not be necessarily be catalogued and available to see as a complete exhibition, the tour of the Larco Museum also includes the storage area giving a unique behind the scenes approach.
There are permanent exhibitions on display as well as ad hoc exhibitions which vary regularly. The noteworthy ‘Gold and Silver Gallery’ houses the largest collection of jewelry worn by rulers in pre-Colombian times. It includes a delightful collection of masks, crowns, garments and vases. Of particular interest to curious visitors, is the world’s largest collection of erotic ceramics housed within the walls of the Larco Museum. The ‘Cultures Gallery’ goes a long way into shedding light on the variety of cultures that existed in pre-Columbian times by offering a chronological view of the art of this historic period, and the ‘Textile Room’ features a selection of woven clothing and mantles.
Not only do the items in the museum provide interesting viewing, the building itself adds to the general attraction of this tourist destination. The building is a beautiful 18th Century vice-royal mansion aptly built atop a 7th Century pre-Columbian pyramid, complemented by stunning gardens. And for those looking for a bite to eat, the onsite Café del Museo is worth a visit.
The Museo Larco in Lima provides an unforgettable and enriching experience to all who visit.