Arequipa Art Galleries

(Arequipa, Peru)

There are a handful of esteemed art galleries to be found within the city of Arequipa, meaning that tourists looking to spend an afternoon appreciating Peruvian art will have a number of different choices. Highly regarded throughout Peru, the Complejo Cultural Chaves de la Rosa de la UNSA is located within the historical centre of Arequipa and offers nothing short of a world-class exhibition space, with a total of seven different halls.

The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo is one gallery suited to all lovers of modern art, and showcases various pieces from the beginning of the 20th century onwards. Other art galleries in Arequipa include both the Galeria de Exhibiciones del Banco Continental, and also the Museo de Arte Virreinal de Santa Teresa, the latter of which is housed within a historical Carmelite convent, known to date back to the 17th century

Complejo Cultural Chaves de la Rosa de la UNSA

Address: Santa Catalina 101, Cercado, Arequipa, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 054 20 4482
On offer at the UNSA complex are paintings, sculptures and photographs, which are both traditional and contemporary in style. If you have the time, do consider taking a guided tour of the building itself, and learn more about its colonial past and grandeur.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 08:00 to 13:00, 15:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

Galeria de Exhibiciones del Banco Continental

Address: Calle San Francisco 108, Cercado, Arequipa, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 054 21 0121
Situated within the magnificent Triste del Pozo manor, the Galeria de Exhibiciones del Banco Continental is spread between two very spacious and well-lit rooms. Regular exhibitions are staged here and are themed to include everything from paintings and sculptures, to colourful textiles and traditional Peruvian collections.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 12:45, 16:00 to 18:30, Saturday - 09:00 to 12:45
Admission: free

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (Contemporary Art Museum)

Location: Tacna and Arica 201, Arequipa, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 054 22 1068
As well as large and colourful canvasses, visitors to the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo can also expect to find an extensive collection of photographs, taking by leading Peruvian photographers such as both Carlos Vargas and Miguel Vargas, amongst other local up-and-coming artists. Also popular at the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo are the peaceful gardens and appealing cafe, which comprises an actual carriage of a train.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:0, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 14:00
Admission: charge

Museo de Arte Virreinal de Santa Teresa

Address: Melgar 303, Arequipa, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 054 28 1188
The Museo de Arte Virreinal de Santa Teresa is a very notable Peruvian art gallery. Very much of the traditional colonial style in its appearance, the convent has only been opened to Arequipa tourists in recent years, and boasts various rooms decorated with murals, period paintings, valuable sculptures and metal works, and local artefacts. Tour guides speak various languages, and visitors will be pleased to find a gift shop on hand, selling everything from books to freshly baked snacks.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 16:30, Sunday - 09:00 to 12:30
Admission: charge