The Lima Art Museum, known as MALI, emerged in the 1960s from the efforts of academics, businessmen and intellectuals, and art and culture lovers.
This place is a space for the diffusion of Peruvian culture and identity. It tells the story of the Peruvian country from its pre-Inca era to the contemporary era. It is also a window of connection between the past and future of the citizens. This is why, together with Machu Travel Peru, we will better know this jewel of humanity.
- Overview of Lima Art Museum
- Location of Lima Art Museum
- History of Museum
- Architecture of Museum
- Collections and exhibitions
- How to get to the museum
- Schedules and prices
- Services offered
- Recommendations for the visit
Overview of the Lima Art Museum
The Lima Art Museum is home to over 1,200 pieces of Peruvian art dating back over 3,000 years. The pieces range from pre columbian times to modernity, allowing visitors to enjoy the different historical eras of the Andean country. Among the most essential pieces are textiles, ceramics, paintings, and even furniture from colonial and republican times.
This museum highlights the rich culture of the Peruvian people and features many works by artists from the past and present. If you travel to Lima, don’t miss this gem of the Peruvian capital. Its collections are impressive; you can also marvel at its structure and architecture.
The museum is so large that it would take a whole day to appreciate everything, so some often opt for a second visit. A short tour of a few hours is possible, but learning the pieces’ context and history may take longer.
Location of the Lima Art Museum
The Lima Art Museum boasts an excellent location within Lima. It is housed in the historic Palace of the Exhibition, a republican building with unmistakable Italian Renaissance decoration. The museum is located on the north side of the Plaza de la Exposición, inside the historic center of Lima and around the Plaza de la Exposición. To get there, you must enter the Park to visit the Museum.
You can walk there on a guided city tour. It takes about 20 minutes from the famous Plaza de Armas de Lima. Tourists usually include it in different itineraries because it sits close to historically significant buildings. Furthermore, this museum is one of the best things to do in Lima, so its visit is a must for those seeking to learn about Peru’s history.
History of Museum
You can visit this iconic museum of art in the Peruvian capital during the different tours. The city inaugurated the MALI, or Lima Art Museum, in 1872. The building was one of the first iron works, designed in a neo-Renaissance style by an Italian architect named Antonio Leonardi.
Throughout history, the building has been the headquarters of several important institutions. From 1872 to 1879, it was the headquarters of the renowned Fine Arts Society.
During the Pacific War, it was a blood hospital. In 1935, it served as the headquarters for the Municipality of Lima, which continued for several years. In 1961, a new restoration allowed the doors to reopen, and it became the museum we know today.
Architecture of the Museum
The beautiful Lima Art Museum is one of the first buildings in Latin America. It was built using iron construction techniques.
The time when someone first thought of it influenced it; despite this, someone remodeled its facade and structure a few times. The building was designed by Italian architect Antonio Leonardi, and it is influenced by the neo-Renaissance style. Statues, gardens, and a zoo surround the entire complex.
Today, the museum is among the best things to see in Lima. The whole building has a clear artistic profile, and its central theme is Peruvian art in all its forms and through time.
Collections and exhibitions
Inside the Lima Museum of Art, you will find numerous art history galleries, collections, and pieces with a lot of history. The organizers arrange these collections in historical order and respect the various periods of Peruvian history (from pre-Incas cultures to contemporary art).
Among the main collections are textiles and ceramics from the different pre-Hispanic cultures in the Andes. You will also enjoy colonial furniture, art from the Republican period, portraits, and more. The most critical pieces and collections are in the permanent exhibition, which covers over 3,000 years of Peru’s history.
If you are wondering, what is the best time to visit Lima? Don’t worry; the museum is open all year. The dry season is excellent if you want to see other places in the country. But booking a guided tour is best if you want to experience all the beauty this place offers.
How to get to the Museum
The Museo de Arte de Lima is located in the Parque de la Exposición, between 28 de Julio Avenue, Garcilaso de la Vega (Wilson), Paseo Colón (9 de Diciembre), and Paseo de la República (Vía Expresa).
It is important to note that the MALI is located 3.9 km from the Plaza Mayor of Lima. You can get there by car in about 14 minutes.
Schedules and Prices
- Rates in MALI vary according to nationality and exonerations regarding age and/or occupation.
| Higher education students | $ 2 |
| Retirees | $ 2 |
| Other Temporary rooms (in addition to the entrance fee) | $ 2 |
| Adult foreigners | $ 8 |
| Foreign students, over 65 years old and people with disabilities | $ 4 |
- The MALI has fixed hours of admission and also its rates, which we will show below:
| Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday | Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Saturdays | until 5 p.m. |
Services offered
It is essential to know what services you can find at MALI. We will detail them below:
- Guided tours: You can opt for a bilingual guided tour, which will allow you to develop and understand the museum.
- Checkroom: You can use this service to leave coats or valuables.
- Wifi: You can enjoy free connectivity service.
- Library: It is possible to consult the specialized bibliography in the Manuel Solari Swayne Library and the Peruvian Art Archive.
- Mali Store: This store offers souvenirs.
- Café Mali: A food and beverage service is provided for visitors.
Recommendations for the visit
- Explore the Collection: Take your time to look at the extensive art collection. It includes pieces from pre-Columbian times to modern works. Look for highlights from the colonial period and notable contemporary artists.
- Check Temporary Exhibitions: MALI frequently hosts exciting temporary exhibitions. Before your visit, check their schedule online to see what’s currently on display.
- Join a Guided Tour: Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the artworks and their history. It’s a great way to enhance your experience.
- Enjoy the Cafe: After your visit, relax at the museum café. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and reflect on the art you’ve seen.
- Visit the Museum Shop: Be sure to check out the museum shop. You can find unique art items, books, and souvenirs to take home.
- Participate in Workshops: If you have time, look into MALI’s workshops or educational programs. They can provide a hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of art.
“A VISIT TO A MUSEUM IS A SEARCH FOR BEAUTY, TRUTH, AND MEANING IN OUR LIVES. GO TO MUSEUMS AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN ”
As you will notice, the MALI is one of Peru’s most iconic and influential museums. Any visit to Lima would be incomplete without visiting this beautiful place. If you want to know more about how to organize a private guided tour of the museum, you can consult with our qualified advisers.
Together with Machu Travel Peru, we hope to have clarified everything about this beautiful museum. Don’t forget to check out our numerous travel options!
