Peru’s New National Museum Is a Treasure Trove of Archaeological Findings
Including nearly 50,000 pre-Columbian artifacts.
Lovers of history will be excited to hear the news regarding Peru’s new Museo Nacional del Perú (MUNA). An institution that has been under construction since 2014, but was first envisioned in 1822 by José de San Martín — the man who liberated Argentina, Chile, and Peru from Spanish rule.
Amongst the highlights of the new institution lies a collection of nearly 50,000 pre-Columbian artifacts. MUNA joins a number of cultural institutions around the world that seek to reclaim many artifacts that have either been stolen or illegally acquired throughout the years. Instances of this can be seen in the Brooklyn Museum repatriating antiques to Costa Rica, along with Sweden’s Världskulturmuseerna and Yale University returning ancient Andean textiles to MUNA.
The museum spans five floors, with the two basement levels dedicated entirely to exploring archaeological deposits from ancient civilizations, such as the native Incas. Of the nearly 6,000 repatriated objects, MUNA has gathered its collection by acquiring work from a number of now-defunct museums in the country — from the Museo de la Nación and the Museo Nacional de Arquelogía to the Antropología e Historia del Perú.
Located about an hour away from the capital city of Lima, the museum is a massive tribute to the country’s rich cultural heritage. Although first opening its doors in July — to mark Peru’s bicentennial — MUNA will not be fully open until 2024, when the pre-Hispanic work goes on display.
Elsewhere in art, Geoff McFetridge has opened a new solo exhibition at Half Gallery.
Museo Nacional del Perú (MUNA)
P3VQ+W98,
Lurín 15841, Peru
