The Contemporary Art Museum, Cusco

The Contemporary Art Museum of Cusco is a cultural hub that showcases an array of contemporary and classical artworks by both Peruvian and international artists. Founded in 1995, the museum was established through the collaborative efforts of the local mayor and the generous contributions of Dr. Luis Rivera Dávalos, who donated 100 works from local artists to kickstart the museum's collection. Today, the museum boasts over 280 works, highlighting the artistic achievements of celebrated local artists from the San Blas neighborhood, such as Edilberto Mérida, Antonio Olave, and Hilario Mendívil.

The museum is strategically housed within the historic Municipal Palace and also extends into the Chapel of San Bernardo and the main courtyard of the Municipal Palace, creating a dynamic space for art exhibitions and events. The oldest piece in the museum's collection is "Río Vilcanota" (1897), an oil painting by Remigia Mendoza, which anchors the museum's rich historical context.

The museum features three primary exhibition spaces. The first two rooms, located on the ground floor of the Municipal Palace, are dedicated to temporary and itinerant exhibitions. Notably, the second room has a direct opening to the Palace courtyard, allowing for an interactive and open display of contemporary Cusco art. The third room, positioned on the upper floor, serves as the permanent gallery, where both classical and modern pieces are on continuous display.

Annually, the museum hosts over 50 temporary exhibitions, both solo and collective, featuring well-known national and international artists. It is also a center for significant artistic gatherings, including National and International Salons, Latin American Meetings of Plastic Artists, and other significant cultural events. Through these activities, the museum not only preserves the artistic legacy of Cusco’s Inca and colonial past but also promotes the vibrant contemporary art scene, making it a cornerstone of cultural life in Cusco.