Giovanni Torre, Indigenous art and artefacts from Peru to stun in Sydney, National Indigenous Times, 8 October 2024
Australian Museum’s cultural blockbuster Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru will be exclusively hosted in Sydney from Saturday 23 November.
The exhibition features art and artefacts from five indigenous empires in what is now Peru, dating back more than 3000 years.
Tickets are now on sale for the exhibition, which was created by Peru’s Museo Larco and Museo de Sito Manuel Chavez Ballon, in conjunction with Neon Global.
Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru features 134 priceless artefacts including gold treasure from royal tombs, glittering jewels, intricate masks and objects of worship.
Visitors will also be able to see the Virtual Reality experience, Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor, which includes a bird’s-eye tour of Machu Picchu while sharing the story of grand Inca emperor Pachacuti.
Australian Museum director and chief executive, Kim McKay AO said the Australian Museum is honoured to host this priceless collection of ancient Peruvian artefacts, including the most opulent collection of Andean gold to ever travel outside of Peru.
“One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a top bucket-list destination for many Australians, and this exhibition will further inspire visitors with its state-of-the-art storytelling alongside treasures from these intriguing ancient empires,” she said.
Produced by Neon Global, the exhibition is exclusive to the Australian Museum and 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.
Consul-General of Peru, Mr José Alberto Ortiz, said the exhibition will contribute to the cultural connection between Peru and Australia.
“I’m delighted that the Australian Museum will be hosting this exhibition highlighting the rich history and culture of ancient Peru, enabling the people of NSW and beyond to experience Machu Picchu and all our country has to offer,” Mr Ortiz said.
“Through the representation and interpretation of the myths and rituals of Andean civilizations and their rediscovery and reappraisal in the 21st century, it seems possible to reconstruct the foundational images of modern Peru.
“I know the public will be captivated by our unique culture dating back more than 3000 years and will be fascinated by the stories of five empires which are still present in our country today.”
According to the Australian Museum, large scale exhibitions like Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru “not only contribute to the cultural growth of Sydney, creating vibrant and inclusive intergenerational and cultural experiences, but they also significantly boost the local economy”.
The Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition and VR experience will commence its limited six-month run in Sydney on Saturday 23 November 2024. Ticket prices start at $37.50 for adults, and $20 for children, with VR tickets from $22.
Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is presented in partnership with Neon Global, Museo Larco and the Ministry of Culture of Peru and proudly supported by Major Exhibition Partner, Adventure World; Airline Partner, LATAM Airlines; along with Hotel Partner, Pullman Sydney Hyde Park.