Metropolitan Museum of Lima
In one of the most famous spaces in the city of Lima is the metropolitan museum, a modern cultural proposal that revalues the history of Lima, from its first inhabitants to the present passing by the Inca and Spanish occupation. A few steps away are important sites such as the National Stadium, the Lima (Mali) Art Museum and the Italian Museum. Learn how to go, how much it costs and what to see in this tourist attraction.
All about the Metropolitan Museum of Lima
Description
The Metropolitan Museum of Lima is a cultural center with museum objects and three-dimensional exhibitions in audio, video and even three-dimensional objects that explain the historical development of the city of Lima.
It was inaugurated in 2010 in a neoclassical palace originally intended for the Ministry of Development and Public Works built in 1924. In 2005, the then mayor Luis Castañeda Lossio ordered to recover the building to make the museum, whose content was in charge of the filmmaker Luis Llosa.
The museum has 27 projection rooms with audiovisual material in 3d and 4d. Some of the most important exhibit: the historical development of the main square in Lima, the arrival of the Spanish, the destruction of the important Sanctuary of Pachacamac , the viceroyalty of Peru in Lima, the earthquake of 1746, the independence winds, the declaration of the independence of Peru, the wars to maintain independence, the war against Chile and Spain, the society of Lima in the 18th century, in the 14th century and the provincial migration to Lima.
The Metropolitan Museum of Lima also has a well-compiled library with an archive of important historical events in the city. It also has a temporary exhibition room where it is possible to see up to 577 canvases by renowned artists such as Pancho Fierro, Víctor Humareda, Julia Codesido and Ángel Chávez.
Location
The museum is located in the heart of Lima within the city’s famous Exposition Park. Its exact address is Avenida 28 de Julio with Avenida Garcilaso de la Vega – Cercado de Lima.
How to get?
To get to the museum you can take a taxi from anywhere in downtown Lima. From the district of Miraflores you can take the public transport buses of the ‘Blue Line’ (travel cost of 1.5 Peruvian soles). From another part of Lima, you can take public transport that runs along ‘Avenida Wilson’ or ‘Avenida Arequipa’.
Museum map
The history of Lima in the museum
The museum exposes in a didactic way the history of Lima throughout more than 10 thousand years. This long history begins with the first inhabitants of the city who were dedicated to hunting and gathering.
The first cultures registered in Lima are the ‘Maranga’, the ‘Lima’ and the ‘Ychma’ who inhabited the valley of the Lurín river, Rímac and Chillón from the 1st century AD to the 15th century AD At that time the Sanctuary of Pachacamac and important religious and urban centers of the region were invaded by the Huari culture.
From the 15th century, the Incas settled in Lima taking as theirs important temples such as the Sanctuary of Pachacamac. However, almost a century later the temple was looted by the Spanish who ended up founding the ‘Viceroyalty of Peru’.
In 1535 the Spanish founded the city of Lima. Francisco Pizarro held this ceremony in the main square. In that same place, in 1821 General José San Martín declared the Independence of Peru.
Since then, the city of Lima, the capital of Peru, has experienced countless historical events, some catastrophic such as the invasion of Chilean troops during the War of the Pacific (1879) or the earthquakes of 1970 or 2007.
Historical development has led Lima to become a city with a varied cultural mix, mainly due to the migration of people from the provinces. Today, it is a modern city that maintains a unique multicultural heritage in the country.
The showrooms
Lima main square development room – This room exposes in an audiovisual way the historical and architectural development of the main square of the city. There were important Inca temples that later, during the conquest, became Catholic temples such as the famous Cathedral.
Room of the first men of Lima – Through educational videos it is explained what life was like for the first inhabitants of the territory of Lima. These men were engaged in hunting and gathering. Cave paintings remain as a trace of its past.
3d room that explains the meeting between the Lima culture and the Wari – 3d room that through videos with realistic effect recreates the encounter between these two cultures approximately in the century X DC
Video room that explains the invasion of the Pachacamac Sanctuary – Room that explains the invasion and looting of the Pachacamac Sanctuary by the Spaniards who killed the incas. The famous Sanctuary of Pachacamac was the most important oracle during the Inca Empire.
Lima earthquake room in 1746 – This cinema-like room, one of the most important in the museum, recreates the earthquake that occurred on October 28, 1746, in full viceroyalty of Peru. The room has seats and sound effects that tremble and make the visitor feel what was lived at that time.
Photographic room that explains the development of Lima in the 20th century – Through a beautifully illuminated photographic exhibition you can appreciate the historical development of Lima in the 20th century. The migration of inhabitants to the city stands out from the second half of that century.
Municipal library
On the second floor of the museum is the Municipal Library of Lima. The library has an important collection of literature, history, science, and more. It also has a colonial, republican and photographic historical archive that contains important events and documents related to Lima and Peru. Its additional services include its children’s and youth library as well as its collection of ‘Munibooks’, published by the municipality of Lima itself.
Ticket price
These are the prices for admission to the museum:
- General adult: 8 Peruvian soles.
- University students: 5 Peruvian soles.
- Schoolchildren: 4 Peruvian soles.
- Adults over 65 years: 4 Peruvian soles.
- With Conadis card: 4 Peruvian soles.
Hours of operation
The museum opens its doors from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 in the morning until 6 in the afternoon.
The only days that remain closed are: January 1, May 1, December 24, 25 and 31 as well as Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
Photos of the Metropolitan Museum of Lima
More information
During your visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Lima, take the opportunity to discover other cultural spaces. One of the most interesting places is the Lima Art Museum Lima (Mali), a historical space full of history, culture and art.
By general promotion in Peru, the museum offers free admission for all Peruvians every first Sunday of every month.
Inside the museum, taking photographs or recording videos in unauthorized areas is prohibited.
The museum is conditioned to be visited by people in wheelchairs. It also offers regular visits for people with deafness.
It is not allowed to enter with food or drinks inside the museum. It is also not allowed to use electronic devices such as cell phones (keep them silent or vibrate).