8 of the best museums in Cusco and what to see in them

Cusco is internationally known as the launch point for Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan archeological site on many travelers' bucket lists. If you plan to visit the famous ruins, give yourself enough time to explore things to do in Cusco as well. It's an undeniably charming city with incredible food, history, architecture, and interactive places to visit.

From colorful textiles to Incan artifacts to chocolate, here are the best museums in Cusco for your trip to the heart of Peru.

Cusco's best museums at a glance

Best museum for families: ChocoMuseo Cusco
Best museum for art: Popular Art Museum
Best museum for history: Inca Museum
Best museum for an evening activity: Planetarium Cusco

1. Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

Best for history and art

Why should I visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art?

The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, established in 2003, is located in the stunning San Blas neighborhood. The building was once an Inca ceremonial courthouse, but now adds to the city’s art museum scene. Today, the museum houses over 450 pieces of pre-Columbian art from all corners of Peru, which come from its famous parent museum in Lima — the Larco Museum.

How long can I spend?

You can spend one to three hours wandering the museum's 10 galleries.

Insider tip

There's a 120-seat auditorium that hosts lecturers and different events, so check the museum's schedule of events.

Address and opening hours

Nazarenas 231, Cusco 08002. Open daily from 8:00 AM–10:00 PM.

2. Planetarium Cusco

Best for astrology and ancient spirituality

Why should I visit the Planetarium Cusco?

The Planetarium Cusco is a short drive north, out of Cusco's city lights. Every evening the planetarium team invites groups to see and understand what the Incas saw when they looked at the night sky. The guided experience includes a projection of constellations, and the chance to view distant stars through a powerful telescope.

How long can I spend?

The experience lasts from 5:30 PM (pick up) to 8:30 PM (drop off), with transportation provided. You can join the daily show or schedule a private experience.

Insider tip

The weather in Cusco changes drastically after the sun sets, so be sure to bring something warm to wear.

Address and opening hours

Fundo Llaullipata carretera a Sacsayhuaman Km2, Cusco 08002. Open daily by appointment, from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM.

3. ChocoMuseo Cusco

Best for families, foodies, and gift shopping

Why should I visit the ChocoMuseo Cusco?

The ChocoMueso is a free museum experience that delves deep into the history and process of chocolate production, which is native to the region. You'll get to hold and smell real chocolate beans and pods as you learn about the farming and manufacturing processes.

How long can I spend?

The museum experience can take between 20 minutes and an hour.

Insider tip

This is a great place to buy gifts before the end of your trip, and also a great place to try local cacao products.

Address and opening hours

Plaza Regocijo, Cusco 08000. Open daily from 9:00 AM–8:00 PM.

4. Museum and Convent of San Francisco

Best for religious history and architecture

Why should I visit the Museum and Convent of San Francisco?

Originally constructed in 1952, the impressive Cusco structure is comprised of four main cloisters built from stone and lime. It's a historical and architectural marvel, beautiful from both the inside and outside.

How long can I spend?

You'll want one or two hours to enjoy the Museum and Convent.

Insider tip

Be sure to check out one of the largest paintings in Latin America, "The Genealogy of the Franciscan Order."

Address and opening hours

Pl. San Francisco S/N, Cusco 08002. Open daily from 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.

5. Museum Maximo Laura

Best for textiles and fashion

Why should I visit Museum Maximo Laura?

Maximo Laura is an award-winning tapestry artist, renowned for his massive and bold textiles and credited with starting the modern textile movement in Peru. The museum holds an expansive collection that connects the ancient art of textile making to modern art in an explosion of color and shapes.

How long can I spend?

Plan for one to two hours on your visit.

Insider tip

Beyond housing the works of master Maximo Laura, the museum offers workshops and hosts both permanent and temporary exhibits of other textile artists.

Address and opening hours

Sta. Catalina Ancha 304, Cusco 08002. Open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM.

6. Inca Museum

Best for anthropology and mummies

Why should I visit the Inca Museum?

The Inca Museum is an anthropology museum built directly over ancient Incan ruins. The museum houses a massive collection of artifacts dating back to pre-Inca times.

How long can I spend?

The museum is perfect for a two- to three-hour visit.

Insider tip

It's a large museum with many exhibits, and some of the more interesting displays and artifacts (like real Incan mummies) come toward the end of the visit, so plan your time accordingly.

Address and opening hours

Ataud 154, Cusco 08002. Open Monday-Friday from 9:15 AM-4:00 PM, Saturday from 8:45 AM-1:45 PM.

7. Contemporary Art Museum

Best for a mix of contemporary art

Why should I visit the Contemporary Art Museum?

The Contemporary Art Museum opened in 1995 after a generous donation from art collector Dr. Luis Rivera Dávalos. Now the museum is home to over 280 pieces of art from local, national, and foreign artists.

How long can I spend?

One or two hours is the perfect time to enjoy the inspiring contemporary art on display.

Insider tip

The museum has a beautiful permanent collection but also organizes many annual events to showcase the works of various Peruvian and international artists.

Address and opening hours

C. Espinar 270, Cusco 08002. (Inside the Municipal Palace.) Open from Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

8. Museum of Popular Art

Best for photography and a mix of artistic media

Why should you visit the Museum of Popular Art?

The Museum of Popular Art is managed by the American Institute of Art and displays some of the best works to come out of Cusco since the 1940s. The art of many Peruvian masters, from ceramics to photography, is housed here.

How long can I spend?

One to two hours is sufficient to enjoy the many galleries. And if it’s raining outside, take your time as you wander the galleries.

Insider tip

Check out the intriguing and sometimes disturbing clay sculptures of Edilberto Mérida.

Address and opening hours

Av. El Sol 103, Cusco 08002. Open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

FAQs

What are the most famous museums in Cusco?

The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, the Inca Museum, and the ChocoMuseo are some of the most well-known museums in Cusco.

What’s the most interesting museum in Cusco if I only have time for one?

A visit to the Planetarium makes for a very memorable trip. You'll get a fun outdoor adventure and a learning experience — a two-for-one!

Are there any fun museums in Cusco for families and children?

The ChocoMuseo is sure to make the entire family happy, especially if you leave with some local treats.

For which museums in Cusco are guided tours recommended?

The Inca Museum offers guided tours in Spanish and English if you're after a deeper understanding of the artifacts presented.

Are there any museum passes or discount cards available for visiting multiple museums in Cusco?

Yes, the Cusco Tourist Ticket grants access to 16 locations around Cusco, including the Contemporary Art Museum and the Museum of Popular Art.