The Larco Museum (officially known as Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, in Spanish: Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera) is a privately owned museum of pre-Columbian art, located in the Pueblo Libre District of Lima, Peru. The museum is housed in an 18th-century vice-royal building. It showcases chronological galleries that provide a thorough overview of 5,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. It is well known for its gallery of pre-Columbian erotic pottery.
In 1925, Rafael Larco Herrera acquired a collection of vases and other archaeological pieces from his brother-in-law, Alfredo Hoyle. There were approximately 600 ceramic pieces in all. The arrival of these objects ignited a collector's enthusiasm in his son, Rafael Larco Hoyle. Soon after, Larco Herrera left his son in charge of the collection and those pieces completed the first collection of what would become the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum.
Monday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Martin Glazer | Jan 27, 2018
A very excellent museum on Inca life and culture. Many Inca crafts and are are on display. There is a lot to see. I dont know of they have guided tours. This is a must see when in Lima. The restaurant is first rate also. They have many great displays. I really enjoyed my museum visit and lunch at the restaurant.
Jeff Hayes | Mar 4, 2018
Very much worth the time and 30 sol (per adult). It is not a large museum so you can cover it in 2 hours without rushing. It is well done, easy to follow. Not for children. The relics in storage are accessable to the visitor. The Peruvian cactus is massive in the garden. People seem to like the restaurant, as it was packed.
Elena Pianigiani | Jan 24, 2018
The Larco museum is a great place to learn, with an introduction of the history of South America. There are a lot of pieces of art, work and jewelry of these Peruvian populations. There is also a beautiful garden, with shops, a restaurant and an additional room of the museum : the love and passion one. The museum is also open until 10 pm, that is great if you have few days to spend in Lima
John S | Feb 15, 2018
We were there with a guide which is really the best way to see this. One needs a guide to explain the details and stories that the pottery tells us. Beautifully collection and we'll laid out. This a don't miss place.
Thomas SEGRETAIN | Jan 10, 2018
Wow! The museum is gorgeous (the exposition as well as the gardens) and, according to us, a must in Lima. It will take you around the history of Peru and the different ethnies. The pieces are beautiful (especially the gold section), well restored and smartly organized. There's a lot to see, but keep some time for the erotic room which is next to the restaurant. Totally recommended!
Barb Landis | May 4, 2018
Neat museum with interesting sculptures, pottery, Incan attire and jewelry. Best museum I visited. Had artifact details in English, Spanish, Chinese and French. Costs an extra 30 soles if you want a guide. Very nice cafe/restaurant outside too. Food is yummy. Highly recommended!
Alejandro Molina | Apr 22, 2018
Loves this place. The host did a great job finding us a table at the terrace, the waiter was very kind and the food awesome. We didn't like much the pisco sour. Servings are the perfect size and desserts are good. The location is very beautiful!
Avery Fergerstrom | Apr 23, 2018
Looking for a bit of Peruvian history? This is a great place to start and it is very easily accessible while in Lima. The garden is beautiful and there are literally thousands of artifacts. Definitely recommend and you can even grab a bite to eat as the restaurant they have on site is very good and has a nice ambience.
Luis T | Apr 22, 2018
This museum is definitely worth the out of the way excursion. They seem to offer personalized tours somewhere, as we saw multiple guides with couples, as well as large groups. Go to the lower portion of the museum with an open mind, because the Incas were certainly not shy about their sexuality.
kohta yasuda | Apr 27, 2018
It was amazing! !! They have thousands collections of Inca. I went there before going to machupichu. It was good study and get knowledge about Inca civilization. Also the beautiful architecture. Nice atmosphere . I asked A English guide , it was right to have A guide to know history of Inca. Also they are opened till late , this is good point as well.
John Min | May 27, 2018
Absolutely fantastic place. I highly recommend coming here in the evening. The food and drinks are surprisingly affordable (in soles) and delicious. Sit back, relax and take in the very quiet atmosphere of this establishment.
David Nguyen | May 19, 2018
The museum entry cost 30 soles. They offer free ice cold water with a hint of orange! Beautiful floral decorated walls and a very cute atrium where you can enjoy food and coffee. The tours are free and there is also a 10 minute video over the museum and what it offers.
Shian Tong | Jul 6, 2018
Amazing museum! During the evening visit, it was nice and quiet, allowed for alot of time to explore the collection. The pottery 'library' across from the exhibition hall was like a maze of Peruvian potteries. The garden was lovely, with whimsical lanterns placed about the made it truly magical. Highly recommended! PS, the taxi fare from the museum to major spot are listed beside the front gate, check before you get into a cab.
Megan Mackowiak | Jul 5, 2018
Really awesome artifacts. Decent descriptions in both Spanish and English. It was really convenient that there was a restaurant attached to the museum.
Guillermo Oviedo Gambetta | Aug 2, 2018
This Museum is among the 25 best Museums in the world. The natural and painteresque natural environment with wonderful flowers: the main exposition of the Museum itself is outstanding. And last but not least:: the own Restaurant of the Museum perhaps among the best five in Lima
ella martin | Aug 7, 2018
Average museum. Has some good historical facts about Peru etc but there's not a lot to it. The best part was definitely the erotic exhibition
Susan Yang | Aug 1, 2018
A massive collection of all sorts of pottery found in the coast and highlands of Peru. There’s so many pieces on display that there isn’t room to explain them all. Interesting how so many different pre-Incan cultures were discovered this way. Also has a very intriguing exotic pottery collection!
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