Chiclayo Museums

(Chiclayo, Lambayeque, Peru)

There may not be huge numbers of museums on offer in the Chiclayo area, but what is here is very impressive. Located close to Chiclayo and in nearby Ferrenafe, the Sican National Museum can be reached in around 20 minutes and houses countless exquisite relics from the Sican civilisation.

Also very nearby Chiclayo and in Lambayeque is the Bruning National Archaeological Museum, and the spectacular Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipan. Better known as the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, the building of the Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipan is especially impressive and was recently built at a cost of more than $6 million.

Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipan (Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum)

Address: Avenida Juan Pablo Vizcardo y Guzman, Lambayeque, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 074 28 3978
The Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipan is a relatively recent addition to the museums of Peru, opening its doors to members of the general public as recently as 2003. Located close to Chiclayo and in the neighbouring town of Lambayeque, the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum is amongst the largest of its kind in South America. The building itself was built to resemble the actual pre-Columbian pyramid where the 13 tombs of Sipan were uncovered in the late 1980s, found by looters searching for gold in a series of ancient burial chambers. On display are many priceless and unusual pieces from the Moche culture, known to date back some 1,500 years or so, forming the largest fully intact discovery of historical gold artefacts of its kind.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for students and children

Sican National Museum

Address: Avenida Fulling Mill Grande Cdra 9, Ferrenafe, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 074 28 6469
Numerous valuable gold pieces are exhibited at the Sican National Museum, collected from the excavated site many years ago, with an array of artefacts relating to the ancient Sican culture periods (early - 750 to 900 AD, middle - 900 to 1100 AD, and last - 1100 to 1375 AD). Particular highlights include the replica of an actual Sican tomb, a video showing how local handicrafts were once created, and displays of textiles, masks, pottery, metal craft works and religious paintings.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Bruning National Archaeological Museum

Address: Avenida Huamachuco, Lambayeque, Peru, PE
The Bruning National Archaeological Museum was established in 1966 and is situated just a short stroll from the central square in Lambayeque, some 17 km / 11 miles from Chiclayo. Inside visitors will discover over 1,500 different archaeological relics and artefacts from as far back as 4,000 years ago. The collection was formed by German ethnographer Enrique Brüning and is spread over four spacious floors, with many pieces originating from the past cultures of Chavin, Chimu, Inca and Moche, amongst others. There is even information about the Tomb of the Lord of Sipan, as well as gold and silver works.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge