Peru’s Gold Museum is to make a pun (sort of) one of the cities great treasures.
It is actually two quite separate collections each as fascinating as the other with a number of quirks that make it more of an experience than a museum.
Firstly it’s a decent distance from the inner core of the city located out in the upper end residential district of Monterrico. But the real quirk is the museum itself. A pleasant low rise building it has its own little shopping mall, it is after all a private institution so making money is a key part of it, with two very different galleries.
The first floor, the one you walk into is a given over to all things military. All things means all things. Don’t bother to count the helmets on one wall or the several cases full of Chilean stirrups, or spurs there are just too many of them.
Rather Than Japan, the Place to See Full Samurai Costumes and Armour
There are some real gems. There is a fascinating number of different uniforms and this rather than Japan, is the place to see full Samurai costumes and armour. Fifteen alone in one short corridor and even then they are jostling for space not only with each other but with a large collection of Arabic swords.
Its probably wise to take a brief rest here at the nice but expensive outdoor café in the mall outside the museum. And then it’s the main attraction the Gold Museum proper.
Whether it is proper is actually open to debate. The Lonely Planet guidebook, a bit of a Bible to many travelers, reported as do some residents of Lima, that in 2001 there was a scandal which left unresolved the issue of how many of the exhibits were actually genuine.
Gold Artefacts from Peru Both Pre-Colombian and Modern Times
Whatever. Because if they are wow and if they ain’t well its still pretty spectacular even if only because of what it represents. What you see and its all in cases on a series of large underground vaults is a range of gold artefacts from Peru both pre-Columbian and through to modern times.
The range is from decorated gold vases to some finely wrought religious artefacts from the colonial era via basic almost primitive funeral masks and simple pots to clothes.
Two of the most eye-catching pieces, and it’s a tough call, are the Lord of Sipan costume and a robe which is made of cloth with thin, laminated sheets of gold sewn in. It would outshine any supermodel who tried to wear it but it is not a fashion statement rather a reminder and a fascinating one that of a very different world.
Free Coffee and Chocolate Samples
Sadly though one criticism has to be made. Both galleries are poorly labeled and it probably is a wise move to hire the audio guide in order to know about the exhibits as opposed to just gawk. This cost US$4 after an entrance fee of 33 soles or US$11. But it is worth it especially as the gift shop in the gallery offers small free coffee and chocolate samples.
Details
Museo de Oro del Peru, Alonso de Molina 1100, Monterrico, Lima. Open Monday to Sunday 11.00am to 7.00pm. Tel 511 345 1292. Costs 33 Soles to enter. Photography prohibited.
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