Museum of the Nation



Peruse one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian artifacts in Lima to learn about the ancient cultures that ruled the city many centuries ago.

The National Museum is the largest of its kind in Lima. It is home to thousands of artifacts from the pre-Columbian era in Peru. These relics span the entirety of human presence in the area. It is a hub of archeology, science and education. Among its main attractions are poignant photos depicting the civil unrest, works of art from ancient civilizations and the replica of a burial chamber. There are scale models of temples, stone carvings and temporary exhibits spread out among many rooms and floors.

Capture photos of the building’s intriguing concrete façade. The structure has an innovative, anarchic design with jumbled parts sticking out. Visit the Shining Path permanent exhibition. It is a moving black-and-white photo display. The collection of harrowing pictures portrays the city’s tumultuous years full of civil wars. Learn about the struggles endured by the people of Lima. This exhibition may not be suitable for children due to its shocking nature.

Peruse the collection of pre-Columbian art. Browse the ceramics made by ancient civilizations, such as the Nasca, Moche and Wari peoples. The ceramics are considered as one of the highlights of the museum. Find out about the temporary exhibitions showing at the site. They often charge an additional fee.

Take a look at the Lanzón statue, the most important work of the Chavín civilization from the Andes Mountain Range. Locate the reproduction of the Lord of Sipan burial chamber. Marvel at the Revolt of the Objects mural.

The Spanish name for the site is the Museo de la Nación (Museum of the Nation). The building that houses the museum is the former Fishing Ministry. There is a small entrance fee with a discount for kids and students. The building is closed on Mondays, but is open for the rest of the week from morning until late in the afternoon.

You can find the National Museum in the south of Lima. Take the city’s metro to the La Cultura stop, right by the museum. There are also many bus stops along the Javier Prado Avenue. You could take a 5-mile (8-kilometre) taxi journey from the centre of the city.

Tours & day trips

See all 372 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 69 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 28 activities

Water activities

See all 25 activities

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 13 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Museum of the Nation Hotel Deals

Sheraton Lima Historic Center
Sheraton Lima Historic Center
4 out of 5
Paseo De La Republica 170, Lima, Lima
Sheraton Lima Historic Center
Hotel Blue Star
Hotel Blue Star
3 out of 5
Calle Luis Aldana 303 Urb Corpac, San Isidro, Lima
Hotel Blue Star
BTH Hotel - Boutique Concept
BTH Hotel - Boutique Concept
4 out of 5
Av. Guardia Civil 727, Corpac, Lima, LIMA
BTH Hotel - Boutique Concept
LYZ Business Hotel
LYZ Business Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Avenida Guardia Civil 609, San Borja, Lima
LYZ Business Hotel
Holiday Inn Lima Miraflores by IHG
Holiday Inn Lima Miraflores by IHG
4 out of 5
Calle Alfonso Ugarte 117, Miraflores, Lima
Holiday Inn Lima Miraflores by IHG
Casa Ramos Salamanca
Casa Ramos Salamanca
3 out of 5
214 Los Gladiolos, Lima, Provincia de Lima
Casa Ramos Salamanca
Del Prado Hotel
Del Prado Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Av.Pablo Carriquiry 298, San Isidro, Lima
Del Prado Hotel
Daniel's Apart Hotel
Daniel's Apart Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Calle Las Castañitas 152, San Isidro, Lima, Lima
Daniel's Apart Hotel
Casa Andina Premium San Isidro
Casa Andina Premium San Isidro
4 out of 5
Calle Orquidea 505 - 527, y Amador Merino Reyna 320, Lima
Casa Andina Premium San Isidro
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.