Museo Regional de Casma "Max Uhle"
About This Museum
Tucked away in Peru's Casma Valley, the Museo Regional de Casma 'Max Uhle' feels less like a formal institution and more like a direct line to the ancient cultures that once thrived here. It’s a place where the desert landscape itself seems to whisper secrets, and the museum gives those whispers a voice. Named for the pioneering German archaeologist, its charm lies in its deep, almost exclusive focus on the local Sechín and Casma civilizations. You won't find the overwhelming crowds of Lima's big museums here, just a quiet, profound connection to a specific patch of Peruvian soil.
Collection Highlights
The star of the show is undoubtedly the collection of stone monoliths from the nearby Sechín Archaeological Site, their surfaces carved with startlingly graphic depictions of warriors and their victims. Alongside these are delicate ceramics painted with complex geometric patterns, intricate textiles that have defied centuries, and a fascinating array of everyday tools that paint a vivid picture of pre-Columbian life in the valley.
Visitor Information
It's a compact museum, so you can have a rich experience without needing to block out an entire day—perfect for before or after visiting the Sechín ruins themselves. The staff are often locals with a genuine passion for their heritage, ready to point out details you might otherwise miss. Just double-check the opening hours before you go, as they can be fluid.
Architecture & Building
Housed in an unassuming, single-story building with a warm, terracotta-colored facade, it feels more like a well-kept community center than a grandiose museum, which somehow makes the ancient treasures inside feel even more immediate and real.
Contact & Location
Address: 14A, Bustamante Sector 8, Cerro Colorado, Arequipa, 04017, Perú
Phone: +51 965 004 484
Website: Visit Website
