Arequipa, also known as the “White City” due to its distinctive white volcanic stone architecture, is a popular destination for travelers on Peru tours. The city is home to several museums that offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for something to do, these museums are definitely worth visiting. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best museums in Arequipa and what you can expect to see there.
The Museo de la Universidad Católica de Santa María is one of the most popular museums in Arequipa. It’s located on the campus of the Catholic University of Santa María and is known for its impressive collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts. The museum features ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and other objects from different cultures that inhabited the region before the arrival of the Spanish. There is also a section dedicated to the Wari culture, which was one of the most important pre-Columbian cultures in the Andes.
Photo: Karina Mendoza
Monasterio y Museo de Arte Virreinal Santa Teresa is a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts visiting Arequipa. The museum is located next to the Santa Teresa convent and was built in 1710, and it holds a collection of colonial-era art and artifacts. Visitors can explore 13 different rooms filled with porcelain pieces, paintings, sculptures, and murals depicting various themes, including the Carmelite order, Christmas, saints, and the Virgin Mary.
The museum also has a gift shop and a pastry shop where you can try some delicious desserts made by the nuns, such as wrapped apples and mille-feuille with white cream, alfajores and others. The museum is located on Melgar Street, and it’s open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The general admission fee is 20 soles; university students and senior citizens pay 10 soles, and students pay 5 soles.
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The Museo Santuarios Andinos is a fascinating museum that tells the story of the discovery of the frozen mummy of a young Inca girl, known as “Juanita” or “the Ice Maiden.” The mummy, which is over 500 years old, was discovered on the summit of an Andean volcano in 1995. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and study of the mummy and her culture, and it features a collection of artifacts and textiles that were buried with her, as well as information about Inca culture and the discovery of the mummy.
Photo: Fernando López
The Casa Museo Mario Vargas Llosa is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa. The museum is located in the house where the writer lived as a child, and it’s a unique opportunity to learn more about his life and the context in which he grew up, which greatly influenced his work. The museum contains a collection of personal items, photographs, and memorabilia, as well as manuscripts, books, and other items related to his writing.
The visitors can learn about the various stages of Vargas Llosa’s life and career, and also see some of the photographs and documents that he used to write his novels. You can also find many of his literary works in different languages and some audiovisual materials that allow to understand the context of his stories, and how the city of Arequipa and Peru influenced his writing.
The Casa Museo Mario Vargas Llosa is a great option for literature lovers and anyone interested in the life and work of one of Peru’s most renowned authors. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, the cost of the entrance is not specified.
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The MAC is an excellent place for art lovers, and it’s also a great spot for those who are interested in the contemporary art scene in Arequipa. Visitors can expect to see a diverse range of styles and mediums, and the museum’s exhibitions are regularly updated, so there is always something new to see. The museum also has a gift shop where you can purchase artworks and other items.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The cost of admission is not specified. The MAC is an important cultural center of the city, and it’s a great place to see the best of contemporary art in Arequipa and to learn about the local art scene.
In conclusion, Arequipa is a city with a rich history and culture, and these museums offer a glimpse into the past.
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