Museo de Arte Precolombino

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Museo de Arte Precolombino de Cusco, known also as MAP Cusco, is located in the historic city of Cusco, Peru, on the Plazoleta de las Nazarenas. This distinguished museum offers visitors a remarkable journey through three thousand years of artistic expression in ancient Peru. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial mansion, the museum invites guests to discover the creative spirit of Andean cultures in a setting rich in history and architectural charm.

About the Museum

MAP Cusco emerged as a joint initiative of the BBVA Peru Foundation and the Larco Museum in Lima to present pre-Columbian art that spans millennia. It is located within the emblematic Casa Cabrera, a colonial house with vestiges dating back more than five hundred years and once likely an Inca yachaywasi, or school for noble youths. The mansion was restored and converted into the museum, opening its doors in June 2003.

The collection displayed at MAP Cusco comprises approximately four hundred to four hundred and fifty artifacts from the Larco Museum in Lima—an institution internationally recognized for its excellence. These pieces span the period from 1250 BC to AD 1532 and are arranged across ten thematic galleries: Formative; Nasca; Mochica; Huari; Chancay–Chimú; Inca; Wood; Jewelry and Stone; Silver; and Gold and Metals.

Alongside the galleries, the museum features an auditorium that seats 120 people and hosts lectures and cultural events. Visitors can also enjoy MAP Café, located in the central courtyard, which serves regional Peruvian cuisine with a distinctive and original touch. To enrich the visitor experience, the museum offers audio guides available in Spanish, English, and French, covering all ten galleries with entertaining and informative narration. Additionally, the museum shop provides high-quality handicrafts crafted by Peruvian artisans using age-old techniques.

Interesting Facts

Historic setting: The museum is housed in Casa Cabrera, a colonial mansion once built over a possible Inca “school for the nobility,” and declared part of Cusco’s monumental heritage and UNESCO World Heritage zone.
Collection origin: All exhibited artifacts belong to the renowned Larco Museum in Lima, allowing visitors in Cusco to experience this prestigious collection locally.
Extensive thematic galleries: Ten galleries present artistic treasures from diverse cultures, including Nasca, Mochica, Huari, Chancay–Chimú, and Inca civilizations, among others.
Immersive interpretation: Audio guides available in three languages make the exhibits accessible and engaging, offering cultural context and storytelling.
Culinary and shopping options: The museum’s café highlights local Peruvian cuisine, and the shop offers authentic handicrafts, enriching the cultural experience beyond art.
Cultural venue: The auditorium hosts talks and local events, making the museum not just a place of display but a living centre for cultural exchange.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +518 459 5092

Website: mapcusco.pe/

Facebook: facebook.com/MuseoDeArtePrecolombinoCusco/

Conclusion

The Museo de Arte Precolombino de Cusco is a compelling destination for anyone wishing to explore the artistic richness of ancient Peru. Through its carefully curated galleries, which span centuries and embrace a diversity of cultures, the museum tells the story of the Andean world in a deeply engaging and accessible way. Set within a heritage-rich building, with thoughtful amenities such as multilingual audio guides, a charming café, and a quality handicraft shop, the museum provides a vibrant cultural experience beyond the typical museum visit. It is a place where artistry, history, and hospitality converge—an unmissable stop in Cusco for those drawn to the spirit of the past.