For the first time in Australia, an ancient tale of human ingenuity, ritual, unimaginable treasures and supernatural deities will be brought to life in the extraordinary exhibition, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, which is now open at the Australian Museum (AM).
This new major cultural exhibition, developed in partnership with Neon Global, Museo Larco and the Ministry of Culture of Peru, is exclusive to the AM in the region and shares the secrets of Peru’s ancient civilisations culminating in the Incan Empire that created Machu Picchu.
Featuring the most opulent collection of Andean gold to ever travel outside of Peru, the exhibition will appeal to visitors across the generations with storytelling, priceless artefacts and state-of-the-art immersive experiences.
Sydney will be the fourth city in the world to host this blockbuster following on from Boca Raton, Florida, USA; Paris, France; and Milan, Italy.
Situated on a mountain top with the Andean rainforest below, Machu Picchu is recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a symbol of the Inca Empire’s architectural and cultural achievements.
Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO said visitors to the AM will be able to discover ancient Peru and Machu Picchu outside of its original site.
“Full of mystery and culture dating back over 14000 years, Peru is a stunning land of deserts etched with ancient geoglyphs shown in the Nazca Lines, soaring peaks harbouring secret cities like Machu Picchu and awe-inspiring landscapes,” said McKay.
“These ancient Peruvian civilisations will come to life through 134 priceless treasures on show, many made from precious metals such as gold, silver and gilded copper.”
“We invite visitors to uncover the extraordinary legacy of ancient Peru, by visiting Machu Picchu and The Golden Empires of Peru, exclusively here in Sydney. It is a cultural experience right at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list,” said McKay.
The exhibition focuses on six key themes, tracing the origins of ancient Peruvians societies, their religious beliefs and rituals, royal power, trade and agriculture, and their eventual decline, at the hands of Spanish conquistadors.
Visitors will journey through the vast expanse of Andean history, discovering the myths and cosmology of ancient Peru, through the royal burial treasures, exquisite ceramics and objects that reveal the everyday and sacred lives of six prominent cultures covering the most recent 3000 years of civilisations: Chavín, Moche, Chimú, Nazca, Lambayeque, and Inca.
For an added immersive experience, visitors are able to embark on the first-ever virtual reality (VR) tour of Machu Picchu, offering a bird’s-eye view of the famed UNESCO World Heritage-listed site using cutting-edge technologies.
Captured during the COVID pandemic, when Machu Picchu was closed to visitors, this dramatic footage reveals the historic sanctuary in its natural, untouched beauty. The VR experience recently won ‘Best Use of VR’ at the Lumiere Awards.
Alongside rare ceramics, visitors will encounter magnificent body ornaments, textiles and ceremonial tools that reflect the deep connection between ancient Peruvian societies and their supernatural beliefs. Deities that represented natural forces played a central role in the spiritual and cultural life of these ancient empires.
The Ambassador of Peru, His Excellency, Mr Vitaliano Gaspar Gallardo Valencia, said it was important to share these valuable cultural artefacts to a larger audience outside of Peru.
“This exhibition is an invitation to discover more about Peru’s magnificent past. We are excited to bring these treasures to the Australian Museum, strengthening Peru’s bi-lateral relations with Australia through cultural exchange and multi-sensory exhibitions such as Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru,” said His Excellency Mr Vitaliano Gaspar Gallardo Valencia.
Machu Picchu Events:
Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru will be supported by a rich variety of Peruvian themed events each month, including exclusive conversations, experiences, music and tours. The summer program, Journey to Peru includes:
Conversations of the Golden Empires: From the Andes to the Amazon: Join experts for a journey through Peruvian archaeology and the spiritual legacies of its ancient empires. Date: Saturday 14 December 2024 – 10:30am – 11:30am | Ticketed event.
Conversations of the Golden Empires: Modern Discoveries of an Ancient Land: Explore Peru’s biodiversity and its insights into ancient life, culture, and beliefs, guided by historians and scientists. Date: Saturday 8 February 2025 – 10:30am – 11:30am | Ticketed event.
Peruvian Nights at the Museum: Discover the wonders of ancient Peru after dark. Every Wednesday in January during Sydney Festival, the Museum is open late, giving you exclusive after-hours access to Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru.
Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru
Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Darlinghurst
Exhibition continues to 23 February 2025
Bookings: www.feverup.com
For more information, visit: www.australian.museum for details.
Images: Installation view of Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru at the Australian Museum – photo by Cain Cooper