Being one of the most historically and culturally important cities in Peru, it is not surprising that Arequipa offers a wide variety of museums. In addition to being the second most populated city after Lima, Arequipa has incredible architecture and historical monuments such as the Plaza de Armas and its museums of great distinction.
That is why together, with our colleagues from Machu Travel Peru, we have prepared a small article about the most important museums in Arequipa. Some of these are so exclusive that a visit to them is mandatory.
The 7 best Arequipa museums that you cannot miss visiting
- Municipal Historical Museum
- Monastery of Santa Catalina
- La Recoleta Convent Museum
- Museum of National University of San Agustin
- Catholic University of Santa Maria Archaeological Museum
- Santa Teresa Museum of Viceroyal Art
- Museo Cathedral
Municipal Historical Museum
The Municipal Historical Museum is located in the historic center of Arequipa. Inside this museum in Arequipa, you can learn about Peru’s history, art, architecture, and culture.
The site features different periods, ranging from pre-Hispanic times to the formation of the country. You will also have the chance to see many different styles and well-known artists from the country. The museum showcases a comprehensive history of the country within an academic setting. Touring this site is one of the best things to do in Arequipa.
Monastery of Santa Catalina
The monastery in Arequipa is not exactly a museum. However, it is a historical building with a lot to offer. In 1580, founders established the site to encourage wealthy people to leave their daughters along with donations.
Many people consider the convent to be one of the largest in the world, and its layout resembles that of the city’s first neighborhoods. This amazing place is still active and open. Visitors can choose to stay all day and explore its many areas. One of its biggest attractions is its library, which has large old collections. If you are looking for things to do in Peru, a visit to this monastery will leave you speechless.
La Recoleta Convent Museum
This impressive museum in Arequipa is a convent that was created during the year 1648. The entire site could be considered a work of art since its architectural styles range from romantic to neo-gothic.
Inside, you can appreciate a large library that people have preserved since its construction. Inside the museum, a large number of collections are exhibited that are in their different environments. After experiencing the Colca Canyon tour, a visit to this place can complement your vacation.
Museum of National University of San Agustin
Another incredible example is within the museums in Arequipa. The Archaeological Museum of the University of San Agustín has approximately eight thousand cultural assets. These goods include a valuable collection of stone, silver, and gold objects, skeletal remains, textiles and cloaks, mummies, and other ceramic pieces. Inside are six showrooms where these incredible collections are displayed.
Catholic University of Santa Maria Archaeological Museum
This museum is also known by the name of Museos Santuarios Andinos and is one of its most popular exponents among tourists. The Museum of Andean Sanctuaries stands out for its display of the “Juanita mummy,” known as the “Inca girl, which was an offering and sacrifice to the gods at the time of the Incas.
The museum has five rooms where we can find ceramics, textiles, metal pieces, and a variety of found mummies. All the rooms are in charge of presenting the cultural development of the region, from the hunter-gatherers to the very creation of the republic.
The museum was founded in 1996, but its v importance is not minor, since inside there are pieces up to 500 years old. The museum exhibits one of the most important tourist attractions in Arequipa, so you cannot miss visiting it. As with most museums in Arequipa, this one exhibits some important objects from the main Peruvian cultures. The exhibition showcases pre-Hispanic pieces from the different ancient cultures that inhabited Peru.
Thanks to the work and projects the University conducted, the exhibition has gathered a significant number of pieces. If you are planning to start a walking tour in Arequipa, be sure to include this site in your itinerary and a guided tour in Spanish-English.
Santa Teresa Museum of Viceroyal Art
Like the monastery, this is a living museum where time seems never to have passed. This former 17th-century convent features lavish decorations, including murals, old paintings, and various metalwork. Inside this museum in Arequipa, you can choose to take a guided tour or tour it independently and experience its history, life, and work.
Cathedral Museum
The Cathedral Museum takes you back in time. It showcases one of the most impressive cathedrals in Peru. Arequipa Cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in the White City.
Its walls are evidence of Arequipeña’s extensive history and rich culture as well as its characteristic architectural style. Inside the Cathedral, you can see a giant collection of religious art and four rooms full of ancient relics. This museum is very close to some important hotels in Arequipa.
“A MUSEUM IS A PLACE WHERE ONE SHOULD LOSE ONE’S HEAD”
We hope together with the experts from Machu Travel Peru to have been helpful for your tour of the city. These museums are some of the most important examples in the city of Arequipa. This will show you the history of Peru. It will also cover the ancient cultures that lived in the country. If you want to know more about our tours of the country, you can consult with our advisors.
