Cusco - Pre-Columbian Art Museum

(Local Name: Museo de Arte Precolombino) The Museo de Arte Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Art Museum) was opened in Cusco in 2003. The collection, which contains approximately 450 pieces, was taken from the storage rooms of the Larco Museum in Lima. On display are jewelry, ceramics, metal works, and other artifacts from the Nasca, Moche, Huari, Chimú, Chancay, and Inca cultures. In addition to this is a room dedicated to paintings from the famous Escuela Cusquena, and a hall of wooden sculptures. The museum has a relatively small collection but the pieces are well chosen and well displayed.

The building which houses the Museo de Arte Precolombino was formerly the mansion of the conqueror Alonso Díaz and later the residence of the Earl of Cabrera. The structure was built on the ruins of an Inca ceremonial court. It is located on the Plaza de las Nazarenas.