On Avenida El Sol, the Museo de Arte Popular presents traditional and contemporary art from Cusco in a compact space beneath the Boleto Turístico office. Its collection ranges from textiles, pottery and masks to photographs, paintings and sculptures, including works by Peruvian artists Edilberto Mérida, Hilario Mendívil and Santiago Rojas. Look for pieces from Cusco’s annual Popular Art Competition and photographs of the city, including images of the 1950 earthquake. Many displays have Spanish explanations, so ask the staff about works you’d like to understand better.
Art from Cusco and the Andes
The Museo de Arte Popular is dedicated to traditional and contemporary art from Cusco. Its collection brings together handmade crafts and artworks, including textiles, ceramics, pottery and masks. The displays give a close look at the materials and styles used by artists and artisans in the region.
Among the artists represented are Edilberto Mérida, Hilario Mendívil and Santiago Rojas. The museum also displays winning entries from Cusco’s annual Popular Art Competition, where local artists present work in a range of styles and subjects. The collection includes sculpture and painting as well as craftwork, so there is more to see than the small objects in the display cases.
Photographs and local history
Photographs form another part of the collection. Images by local photographer Martín Chambi include dramatic views of the aftermath of the 1950 earthquake, which severely damaged Cusco. The historical photographs offer a record of the city in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The museum is in the basement of the Boleto Turístico office on Avenida El Sol. The displays occupy a compact space, and explanations are mostly in Spanish. Staff can help answer questions about the works, which is useful if you want context beyond what the labels provide.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long does a visit to the Museo de Arte Popular take?
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for the compact museum. You may want longer if you stop to ask staff about the collection.
Is entry included with the Boleto Turístico del Cusco?
Yes. Entry to the museum is included with the Boleto Turístico del Cusco.
What can you see at the Museo de Arte Popular?
The collection includes textiles, ceramics, pottery, masks, photographs, paintings and sculptures, as well as winning entries from Cusco’s annual Popular Art Competition.
Are the museum descriptions in English?
Much of the written information is in Spanish. Staff can help explain pieces in the collection.
