Piura Museums

(Piura, Peru)



Central viewA handful of interesting museums are spread around the city of Piura, often being within easy walking distance of Plaza de Armas. Located on Tacna Avenue is the Grau Navy Museum (Casa Museo Gran Almirante Grau) and celebrates Piura's rich maritime past.

The Museo Municipal Vicus is a particularly noteworthy cultural highlight in Piura. Visitors to this 'Museum of Gold' will discover a wealth of priceless archaeological relics and artefacts, many of which are made from solid gold and were collected from neighbouring Vicus sites.


Casa Museo Gran Almirante Grau (Grau Navy Museum)

Address: Tacna 622, Piura, Peru, PE
The birthplace of Miguel Maria Grau Seminario (1834 to 1879), the Casa Grau was completely renovated by the Peruvian navy following the earthquake of 1912, and now operates as a leading naval museum. Admiral Miguel Grau was nothing short of a local war hero in Peru and known for his accomplishments during the War of the Pacific, which took part in Chile between 1879 and 1883. Grau was actually the captain of the British 'Huáscar' warship, a detailed scale model of which is on display here. Other highlights include antique furnishings, historical documents, and various patriotic portraits.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 13:00, 15:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 08:00 to 12:00
Admission: charge

Museo Municipal Vicus / Museo de Oro Vicus / Museo Municipal (Museum of Gold / Vicus)

Address: Huanuco 893 y Sullana, Piura, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 073 30 9267
This underground attraction is filled with valuable and unusual gold treasures, such as a rather ornate golden belt, complete with life-size golden head of a cat serving as a clasp. The Museo de Oro Vicus is close to the Club Grau and just a short walk to the north of the Grau Monument.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 09:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge, discounts for students and children

Instituto Nacional de Cultura / INC (National Institute of Culture)

Address: Jiron Libertad No. 348, Piura, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 074 30 6278
The Piura National Institute of Culture is often known simply as the INC and has plenty to offer in the way of pre-Hispanic cultural exhibits. This is a good place to learn more about the region's archaeology and various past civilisations, including both the Talláns and the Vicus.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free