If you are an unconditional lover of Peru and fascinated by the pre-Colombian civilizations, then you do not want to miss the compelling exhibition coming this spring to Paris. Called “Machu Picchu et les Trésors du Pérou” – Machu Picchu and the Treasures of Peru – and running from April 16 to September 4, 2022, this immersive exhibition settles in the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine.

Displaying over 190 original pieces from one of the greatest Peruvian museums, the display tells us about 3,000 years of Pre-Colombian civilizations until the mystery of the Machu Picchu. Visitors can admire masterpieces and symbolical and archeological items gathered in Paris for the first time, some even never left Peru!

Described as one of the most impressive gold and silver collections ever displayed, this exceptional installation shines a light on civilizations from the ancient Peru through a selection of 192 artefacts. Thanks to a very successful immersive staging (videos, lights, sounds, music...), discover representations of divinities, mythological creatures and sacred tales materialized on remarkables archeological pieces (surprisingly realistic-looking ceramics, fabrics, tableware, jewels...).

This unique installation si also the occasion to meet Mochicas' mythological hero, Ai Apaec. His face is even represented on a copper death mask with fangs made of shell. Thrilling!

The “Machu Picchu et les Trésors du Pérou” – Machu Picchu and the Treasures of Peru – exhibition unveils many more treasures such as a unique stirrup spout ceramic. We must say this ceramic precisely tells the story of the Mochica Sacrefice Ceremony. Not far from there, admire an Andean "dragon" made of black ceramic embedded with turquoise stones and shells, inspired by the transformation of a chaman into a powerful hybrid being.

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Continue your visit with the ritual of deer hunting as told in a short cartoon movie screened on the wall, and based on a painting on a Mochica ceramic.

We loved the second to last gallery where you cna admire dozens of items and precious jewels from royal tombs that used to belong to pre-Inca noble lords. The installation unveils about ten lords dressed in crowns, pectorals, bracelets, ear and nose ornaments made of gold and silver, items definitely showing the original skills of simths from ancient Peru.

Wrap your tour with the current Machu Picchu so you can realize everything behind the preservation of this genuinely unique Peruvian archeological site.

Through 9 different galleries, the “Machu Picchu et les Trésors du Pérou” – Machu Picchu and the Treasures of Peru – exhibition delivers an immersive and astounding journey through the history and natural wealth of one of the most fascinating cradles of civilization.

And to provide visitors with total and unique immersion, the “Machu Picchu et les Trésors du Pérou” exhibition offers them to finish their journey with the very first virtual reality expedition to Machu Picchu. The Peruvian government granted World Heritage Exhibitions unique access to shoot panoramic videos used in the VR experience. Careful if you have vertigo!

So, are you ready to travel in space and time? Meet from April 16 to September 4, 2022, at the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine.