![Inka Museum, Cusco](/img/gd_attr/35831.jpg)
Inka Museum, Cusco
The Inka Museum in Cusco offers profound insights into the Inca civilization and the broader pre-Columbian history of Peru. It is strategically situated just steps away from Cusco's main square, housed in the "Admiral’s House" (Casa del Almirante), a colonial mansion built in the 17th century for Admiral Alderete Maldonado. Originally, this location served as the palace of Inca Huáscar.
The museum's exhibits are organized chronologically, tracing the evolution of significant Peruvian civilizations from the Chavín culture (1,200 – 400 BC) through to the Inca period (1230 – 1535 AD). Each room within the museum offers a comprehensive overview of different eras, such as the Marcavalle, Nazca, and Wari cultures, culminating in the Inca civilization. Additionally, the museum features educational displays on ancient subsistence techniques, and environmental stewardship, and even includes a life-size recreation of an Inca tomb.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Inka Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that include mystical music, stone carvings, textiles, and ceramics, predominantly curated by local artists from Cusco. These exhibitions provide a platform for contemporary artists to showcase their interpretations of traditional Andean culture.
The building itself, known as "The Admiral’s House," is an architectural gem reflecting the mannerist style of the late 16th century. It features a courtyard with semicircular arches, coffered ceilings, and walls richly decorated with Corinthian capitals and mullioned windows. The facade is modest yet distinguished by its ornate mullioned windows and a main door embellished with circular and square rosettes. The premises also boast interior gardens and a colonial-era pool, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
The museum's exhibits are organized chronologically, tracing the evolution of significant Peruvian civilizations from the Chavín culture (1,200 – 400 BC) through to the Inca period (1230 – 1535 AD). Each room within the museum offers a comprehensive overview of different eras, such as the Marcavalle, Nazca, and Wari cultures, culminating in the Inca civilization. Additionally, the museum features educational displays on ancient subsistence techniques, and environmental stewardship, and even includes a life-size recreation of an Inca tomb.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Inka Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that include mystical music, stone carvings, textiles, and ceramics, predominantly curated by local artists from Cusco. These exhibitions provide a platform for contemporary artists to showcase their interpretations of traditional Andean culture.
The building itself, known as "The Admiral’s House," is an architectural gem reflecting the mannerist style of the late 16th century. It features a courtyard with semicircular arches, coffered ceilings, and walls richly decorated with Corinthian capitals and mullioned windows. The facade is modest yet distinguished by its ornate mullioned windows and a main door embellished with circular and square rosettes. The premises also boast interior gardens and a colonial-era pool, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cusco. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Inka Museum on Map
Sight Name: Inka Museum
Sight Location: Cusco, Peru (See walking tours in Cusco)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Cusco, Peru (See walking tours in Cusco)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Cusco, Peru
Create Your Own Walk in Cusco
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cusco is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cusco Introduction Walking Tour
Nestled high in the Andes mountains, Cusco is a city bursting with stories to tell. Peru's historic capital city was also the Inca Empire's center until the Spanish conquistadors arrived.
Before the Inca settled in the area, the Killke people were here from the years 900 to 1200. Sacsayhuaman, a walled complex outside of town, was built as a fortress by the Killke.
The Inca later... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Before the Inca settled in the area, the Killke people were here from the years 900 to 1200. Sacsayhuaman, a walled complex outside of town, was built as a fortress by the Killke.
The Inca later... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Cusco's Historical Churches
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the oldest cities in the world. In the 16th century, Spanish missionaries introduced the area to Catholicism. The result of that has been a plethora of historical churches built in the city since.
Among the marvels of local ecclesiastical architecture, the Cusco Cathedral reigns supreme. Constructed on the foundations of an Inca temple,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Among the marvels of local ecclesiastical architecture, the Cusco Cathedral reigns supreme. Constructed on the foundations of an Inca temple,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles