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Discover Callao’s Must-Visit Museums

Callao, a historic port city in Peru, boasts a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. Here are some must-visit museums in Callao:

Ornate building with classical architecture, murals, carvings, and landscaped greenery.
Museo de Arte Italiano
Opened in 1923, located in Lima (near Callao). This museum houses a collection of Italian art from the early 20th century, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Large, white two-story classical building with arched windows, wooden doors, banners, and surrounding trees.
Museo de Arte de Lima
Established in 1961, located in Lima. This museum showcases Peruvian art from pre-Columbian times to the present, including ceramics, textiles, and contemporary artworks.
Indoor exhibition of vintage and classic automobiles with placards in a spacious, well-lit setting.
Museo del Automóvil Colección Nicolini
Founded in 1995, located in La Perla. It features a collection of vintage cars and motorcycles, showcasing the evolution of automotive design and technology.
Historical stone fort with cylindrical tower, yellow-domed entrance, flags, statue, and landscaped park.
Museo del Ejército Fortaleza Real Felipe
Established in the 18th century, located in the heart of Callao. This fortress-turned-museum showcases Peru’s military history, featuring colonial weapons, uniforms, and exhibits on significant battles.
Exterior of Museo de la Electricidad with yellow walls, blue doors, and a red gear visible inside.
Museo de la Electricidad
Founded in 1994, located in Barranco. It explores the history of electricity in Peru, featuring vintage electrical equipment, interactive exhibits, and educational displays.
Yellow Museo de Historia Natural with bronze women archers, arched windows, and surrounding trees.
Museo de Historia Natural Javier Prado
Established in 1918, located in Lima. It features extensive collections of fossils, minerals, and specimens of Peru’s diverse flora and fauna.
Outdoor dining area under a pergola with red flowers, greenery, tables, chairs, and hanging lanterns.
Museo Larco
Founded in 1926, located in Pueblo Libre (near Callao). It features a vast collection of pre-Columbian art, including ceramics, textiles, and gold and silver artifacts from ancient Peruvian cultures.
Ancient Egyptian-style stone building with pillars, sculpted figures, metal fence, and clear sky.
Museo de la Nación
Opened in 1990, located in San Borja. This museum features exhibits on the history and culture of Peru, including pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial art, and contemporary pieces.
Yellow colonial-style building with cultural event banner, two flags, stairs, and clear sky.
Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú
Established in 1822, located in Lima. It features extensive collections of artifacts from various Peruvian cultures, including ceramics, textiles, and goldwork.
Museo Naval del Perú
Founded in 1958, located in the Real Felipe Fortress. It features exhibits on the Peruvian Navy’s history, including ship models, naval artifacts, and interactive displays on maritime battles.
White neoclassical building with columns, a flag on top, and an equestrian statue in front.
Museo de la Inquisición y del Congreso
Founded in 1968, located in Lima. This museum explores the history of the Spanish Inquisition in Peru, with exhibits on torture methods, trials, and the impact on society.
Three gold artifacts resembling stylized human faces, with varying sizes and distinct facial details.
Museo Oro del Perú
Established in 1968, located in Santiago de Surco. It showcases a collection of gold artifacts from pre-Columbian cultures, including jewelry, ceremonial items, and textiles.
Modern, angular building with vertical slats, elevated with stairs, red section near base, clear sky.
Museo Pachacamac
Established in 1965, located in Lurín (near Callao). It features archaeological artifacts from the ancient city of Pachacamac, including ceramics, textiles, and sculptures from pre-Columbian civilizations.
Grand white neoclassical building with a staircase entrance, statues, and trimmed greenery.
Museo Pedro de Osma
Opened in 1987, located in Barranco (near Callao). It features a collection of colonial art, including religious paintings, sculptures, and silverwork from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Ancient adobe brick pyramid with terraced levels under clear blue sky. Archaeological site.
Museo de Sitio Huaca Pucllana
Opened in 1984, located in Miraflores. This museum focuses on the archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana, featuring artifacts from the Lima culture and guided tours of the ancient pyramid.
Submarine museum exhibit with banner "Museo de Sitio Naval Submarino Abtao" in a dockyard setting.
Museo de Sitio Naval Submarino Abtao
Opened in 2004, located at the Naval Base. This museum is housed in a decommissioned submarine, offering an immersive experience of life aboard a submarine with guided tours and naval history exhibits.

Callao and its surrounding areas offer a rich cultural experience through their diverse museums. From military history and archaeology to art and natural sciences, these museums provide a captivating glimpse into the region’s heritage and cultural achievements.

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