
MUCEN - Central Bank Museum Lima
Explore Peru's rich history through coins, art, and ancient artifacts in a stunning 1920s bank. Free entry!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds, enjoy a peaceful visit

MUCEN - Central Bank Museum Lima
Best Time
Avoid crowds, enjoy a peaceful visit

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Peru's rich history through coins, art, and ancient artifacts in a stunning 1920s bank. Free entry!
"A delightful museum situated in the innards of a historic bank. Exhibits are spread over 3 decadent layers, much like a cake."

🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank. Entry is completely free!
🕰️ Allow ample time
With three decadent layers of exhibits, plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the collections.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Peruvian Art Collection
3rd Floor
Journey through centuries of Peruvian art, from colonial to modern. A chronological display offering deep historical context.

Pre-Columbian Artifacts
Permanent Collection
Discover ancient textiles, ceramics, and more, showcasing the artistic prowess of pre-Inca civilizations.

Llama Sculptures
Entrance Area
Joyful and numerous llama sculptures that bring a smile to visitors' faces. A delightful and unexpected artistic feature.

Historic Bank Architecture
Entire Museum
Housed within a stunning 1920s bank, the museum's opulent interiors are an exhibit in themselves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Rich History
Art & Artifacts Galore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank. Entry is completely free!
🕰️ Allow ample time
With three decadent layers of exhibits, plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the collections.
First time visitor to Lima and Peru, looking for recommendations
🗣️ English signage available
Good amount of English signage helps international visitors understand the exhibits.
🖼️ Don't miss temporary exhibits
Check out the special room for rotating exhibitions, often featuring unique artistic techniques.
general peru advice
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank. Entry is completely free!
🕰️ Allow ample time
With three decadent layers of exhibits, plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the collections.
🗣️ English signage available
Good amount of English signage helps international visitors understand the exhibits.
🖼️ Don't miss temporary exhibits
Check out the special room for rotating exhibitions, often featuring unique artistic techniques.
📸 Photography friendly
Capture the beauty of the artifacts and the historic bank interiors. (Check specific exhibit rules).
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise MUCEN for its free admission and the breadth of its collections, spanning numismatics, pre-Columbian art, and Peruvian art history. The stunning architecture of the historic bank building is also a major draw, creating a grand atmosphere for exploration. While some note it's not a top-tier museum, it's highly recommended for those with time to spare, offering a rich and accessible cultural experience.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. They have a complete and detailed exhibition of the coins and banknotes used in Peru, dating back to the viceregal era. They also display various artistic expressions from the pre-Inca period, such as textiles, ceramics, and more. You can also visit temporary exhibitions in a special room. The price is very affordable. A must-see!"
elena rm
"This place is free to enter. It is NOT a numismatic museum although it's housed in a former bank. It does have quite an exhibition of culturally beautiful artifacts that may be of interest to you should your interest lie in learning about Lima/Peruvian history."
Catherine Romero
"It's interesting, the role that the central banks play in South America, the gold museum in Bogota is run the Bank of Colombia. Great collection... I especially enjoyed the chronologically arranged collection of art on the 3rd floor. The art collections at MALI and here are arranged similarly and it was important for me to see both of them to understand more about the history of Peru. My favorite paintings here were the Death of Columbus and the Lime Brunette. Jesus, you see 5 museums in three days and you have to think really hard about what was where and try not to forget all the wonderful things you saw.
oh... the resting llama sculpture near the front door made me so happy. you could walk around all day and focus just on llama sculptures. they are joyous.
Next door to the permanent collection there is another exhibit space. The artists exhibiting there did something interesting with needle point. Some of here works are needle point and some are painted... the needle point and the paintings exhibit remarkably similar qualities."
Kenneth Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Lima. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. Public transport options are also available, though they might require some walking from the nearest stops. It's often mentioned as being near Av. 28 de Julio and Av. Wilson.
Yes, it's situated in a prominent area of Lima, making it relatively easy to find. Consider using a navigation app for the most direct route via your preferred transport method.
From Miraflores, a taxi or ride-sharing service is the most convenient option, typically taking around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. You can also explore bus routes, but this may involve transfers and longer travel times.
Depending on your starting point, it might be a considerable walk. It's best to check a map, but it's often considered a destination in itself rather than a quick stop between other major sites.
Parking in central Lima can be challenging. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or public transport to avoid parking hassles. If driving, look for paid parking lots in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The most fantastic news is that admission to the MUCEN Central Bank Museum is completely FREE! This makes it a highly recommended and accessible cultural experience for all visitors.
No advance booking is typically required as entry is free. You can usually walk in, especially if you visit during off-peak hours on weekdays.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official website or recent visitor information before your visit. Generally, it's open during standard museum hours on weekdays and sometimes weekends.
There is no strict dress code, but it's advisable to dress comfortably and respectfully, as you would for any museum visit. Casual attire is perfectly acceptable.
Since the museum is free, there are no discounts to apply. Enjoy the full experience without any admission fees!
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
MUCEN offers a diverse range of exhibits, including a detailed display of Peruvian coins and banknotes from the viceregal era onwards, pre-Columbian artifacts like textiles and ceramics, and a significant collection of Peruvian art arranged chronologically. They also host temporary exhibitions.
While the museum focuses on history and art, the visually appealing artifacts and the unique architecture can be engaging for older children. The joyous llama sculptures are also a hit!
Yes, many exhibits have English signage, making it easier for international visitors to understand the context and history presented.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours to explore the permanent collections and any temporary exhibitions. You could easily spend longer if you delve deeply into the art or numismatic displays.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or artworks. Flash photography might be prohibited to protect the artifacts.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand architecture of the former bank building itself is a fantastic photo opportunity. The art on the third floor, the intricate details of the pre-Columbian artifacts, and the charming llama sculptures are also highly photogenic.
For personal use, photography is usually permitted. However, professional shoots or commercial filming might require special permission. It's best to inquire at the information desk if you have specific needs.
While general photography is allowed, flash photography is often prohibited to preserve the delicate artifacts and artworks. Always look for signage indicating specific restrictions within certain galleries.
A versatile camera with good low-light capabilities is recommended, especially for the interior shots of the historic bank. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of the architecture.
Check out Instagram and TikTok for inspiration! Many travelers share their favorite shots, highlighting unique angles and details you might want to capture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏛️ Art & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Peruvian Art
Key pieces often highlighted include 'Death of Columbus' and 'The Lime Brunette,' which offer glimpses into specific historical narratives and artistic styles. The arrangement allows for a comparative study of how different periods influenced artistic expression. The museum's commitment to showcasing this progression makes it a vital stop for anyone interested in Peruvian art and its historical underpinnings.
Beyond the paintings, the museum also features temporary exhibitions in a dedicated space. These often showcase innovative techniques and contemporary artists, providing a dynamic contrast to the permanent collection. One such exhibit featured artists working with needlepoint, demonstrating remarkable skill and artistic vision that mirrored qualities found in painting.
The Numismatic and Pre-Columbian Collections
Complementing the monetary history is a rich display of pre-Columbian artifacts. These include exquisite examples of ancient textiles and ceramics, showcasing the sophisticated artistry and cultural practices of civilizations that thrived long before the arrival of Europeans. These artifacts provide invaluable insights into the ingenuity and aesthetic sensibilities of Peru's earliest inhabitants.
Adding a touch of whimsy and delight, the museum features numerous 'joyous llama sculptures' near the entrance. These charming pieces are a unique and memorable element of the visitor experience, often bringing smiles and serving as a delightful prelude to the historical and artistic treasures within.
The Historic Bank Setting
Exploring the museum means not only engaging with the exhibits but also appreciating the building's original features. The sense of history is palpable, as you move through spaces that once facilitated significant financial transactions. This fusion of financial history and artistic display within such a distinguished setting creates a truly immersive atmosphere.
This unique setting contributes significantly to the overall appeal of MUCEN, making it more than just a repository of artifacts and art. It's an experience that combines cultural exploration with an appreciation for Lima's architectural heritage. The building itself is a testament to the era's design and craftsmanship.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit