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The Museum of Popular Art of Cusco belongs to the American Institute of Art, a traditional cultural institution of the city that promoted Cusco’s Jubilee Week and helped preserve the Santurantikuy fair.
It holds some of the finest pieces of Cusco popular art dating back to the 1940s, most of them systematically acquired at the Santurantikuy Christmas fair. The collection includes works by outstanding masters such as Hilario Mendívil and his family, Edilberto Mérida, Nemesio Villasante, Santiago Rojas, Luis Acosta, Jesús Latorre, Antonio Olave, among others.
The Museum of Popular Art of Cusco is located at Avenida El Sol 103, in the basement of the Tourist Galleries of the Provincial Municipality of Cusco, just a few steps from the Plaza de Armas.
The museum displays works such as sculptures, ceramic pieces, photographs, and other creations by some of Cusco’s most renowned artisans. Among them are Edilberto Mérida, known for his grotesque-style clay sculptures; Hilario Mendívil, recognized for his religious figures made with rice paste and characterized by elongated necks decorated with floral patterns, especially representations of the Virgin of Bethlehem and the Holy Family. Works by Santiago Rojas can also be seen, featuring scenes from the daily life of Cusco residents and traditional dances associated with Santurantikuy, celebrated on December 24. Another important artisan is Follana, known for his Niños Manuelitos made with maguey and crystal palate, with the Niño de la Espina being one of the most representative pieces. Antonio Olave is also a renowned artisan, recognized for his gold leaf work in the creation of figures for Christmas nativity scenes.
Reference opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Reference admission: Included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. Admission is usually free for locals with a valid ID.
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