5 of the best museums in Lima

The capital and gateway to the rest of Peru, for years tourists have always overlooked Lima. Now it is the gastronomic heart of the country, and with a range of world-class museums, impressive colonial buildings and vibrant local neighbourhoods, it should definitely not be missed. Showcasing the history and culture of Peru, these are Cox & Kings’ top museums you really should visit. Larco Museum In a beautiful 18^th-century colonial mansion and built on a pre-Columbian pyramid dating from the seventh century, the Larco Museum is home to over 3,000 years of Peruvian history. There are extraordinary collections of gold, silver and textiles made from plant fibres as well as other objects produced by the ancient civilisations. Open daily from 9am – 6pm Archaeology, Anthropology and History Museum The oldest museum in Peru also includes the house where Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin lived. Located in a colonial building on Plaza Bolivar, the museum contains an impressive collection of textiles, figurines, stone tools, ceramics and metalwork dating from throughout the history of human occupation in Peru. There are also fine pieces of artwork from the CusqueñaSchool. Open Tuesday – Sunday from 9am – 5.30pm (4.30pm on Sundays) Pedro de Osma Museum The magnificent former residence of the Osma family is now home to the Pedro de Osma Museum. Built in 1906 in an eclectic French style, it hosts the personal collection of Don Pedro de Osma Gildmeister, obtained between 1936 and 1967. An expert in vice regal Peruvian art, his collection showcases a variety of techniques that reflect Peruvian art from the 16th to 19th centuries. Open Tuesday – Sunday from 11am – 6pm MATE, Mario Testino museum Opened in 2012, this gallery was established to permanently showcase the work of world-renowned Peruvian photographer Mario Testino and to promote local Peruvian artists through temporary exhibitions. Testino’s collection is displayed in themed rooms showing different aspects of his work and is renewed periodically. Open Tuesday – Sunday from 11am – 8pm MALI, Lima art museum With more than 12,000 exhibits, the Lima Art Museum explores cultural life in Peru through its collections of pre-Columbian and colonial art as well as photography, textiles and silverware. Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 8pm (5pm on Saturdays) Katie Parsons is the PR Manager at Cox & Kings. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.