The National University of the Altiplano Museum is also known as the Archaeology Museum of the National University of the Altiplano.
The National University of the Altiplano has a museum located within the facilities of the Professional School of Anthropology. A space dedicated to preserving and spreading the history, archaeology, art, and culture of the Puno region. This museum exhibits and studies burial bundles and ceramic pieces discovered by the Molino Chilacachi community, among which several pieces of Lupaca style stand out.
Visit the National University of the Altiplano Museum
The university has taken on the responsibility of preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the Andean peoples, so the museum is an essential place for those wishing to explore Puno.
History of the UNA Puno Museum
The National University of the Altiplano Museum was founded with the aim of preserving cultural heritage. The idea of creating a university museum emerged as an initiative of the Professional School of Archaeology and History at the university. It also aims to protect and exhibit archaeological findings, as well as collect artistic and ethnographic objects.
Since its founding, the museum has grown in importance, becoming an academic and cultural reference. The museum’s collections cover a wide range of historical periods.
Highlighted Rooms and Exhibitions at the National University of the Altiplano Museum
The museum houses a collection of objects that illustrate the history and culture of the Puno region. Below, we present some of the main collections you can find at the museum.
| EXHIBITIONS | DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLES |
| Pre-Hispanic Archaeology | It offers us a deep look into the civilizations that inhabited the altiplano. Among the most notable objects are, for example: | – Pre-Hispanic Ceramics: Made by the Pucará and Tiahuanaco cultures. – Tools and Utensils: These artifacts show the daily life of the inhabitants. |
| Inca and Colonial History | The museum also has a collection of objects dating from the Inca period. Some of the most notable pieces are: | – Keros: Ceremonial vessels used by the Incas in religious rituals. – Stone and Metal Sculptures: Works of art representing Andean deities and mythological figures. Colonial Objects: Testimonies from the Spanish colonization period. |
| Etnography and Folklore | An essential part of the museum is dedicated to ethnography, with objects reflecting the traditions and customs of the native peoples of Puno. | – Masks and Traditional Costumes: Used in local festivals, such as the famous Fiesta de la Candelaria. – Musical Instruments: They showcase the richness of Puno’s folklore, especially in music and dance. |
Most Relevant Pieces of the Museum
The museum is a space that exhibits historical objects and also serves an essential educational function, where students from the university, as well as researchers, find a valuable source of information for their studies in archaeology, history, anthropology, and art.
The museum also organizes guided tours, workshops, and lectures, promoting learning and the dissemination of the cultural heritage of Puno. These activities are directed both at students and the general public.
Location, Hours, and Prices
Here is some useful information so you can visit the “Archaeology Museum of the National University of the Altiplano”.
| INFORMATION | DESCRIPTION |
| Location | The museum is located at the National University of the Altiplano campus in the city of Puno. |
| Visiting Hours | The museum is open to the public from: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. |
| Cost | Entrance is free for university students, while external visitors can access it for a symbolic fee. |
