Sydney, prepare yourselves for a cultural gold rush. From November 23, the Australian Museum is rolling out its latest blockbuster, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. This dazzling exhibition is your passport to ancient Peru, featuring 134 priceless treasures from the land of the Incas and 14,000 years of history. Think glittering jewels, royal tomb artefacts, and a VR journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s more than a history lesson—it’s a time machine with all the bells, whistles, and human sacrifice relics you could dream of.
Following the success of the Ramses Exhibition at the Australian Museum (fun fact, it became the highest grossing exhibition in the State’s history, selling over 500,000 tickets!), Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is created in partnership with Peru’s Museo Larco, Museo de Sito Manuel Chavez Ballon, and Neon Global, taking you on a journey through five ancient Peruvian empires, spanning over 3,000 years of rich history. Parts of the collection have only been shown in four other cities around the world, in fact, some of the artefacts have never left Peru before, and now we’re lucky to set sights on them in Sydney.
Expect to see the most opulent Andean gold collection to ever leave Peru, intricate ceremonial masks, and objects that whisper secrets of long-lost rituals. For the tech-savvy explorers, the Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor VR experience will transport you above the clouds for a bird’s-eye tour of the legendary citadel. Guided by the story of Inca emperor Pachacuti, it’s as close as you can get to Machu Picchu without packing your hiking boots. It was also shot during COVID, meaning there isn’t a soul in sight on the site – something literally money could not buy you on an ordinary day at the popular UNESCO World Heritage citadel.
Kim McKay AO, the Australian Museum’s Director and CEO, couldn’t be prouder to host such an extraordinary collection: “Machu Picchu is a bucket-list destination for so many Australians, and this exhibition brings its magic right to Sydney with cutting-edge storytelling and breathtaking treasures.”. She also says, “the after life does deliver it seems”, when speaking on the macabre nature of some of the artefacts, reminding us that those sacrificed were guaranteed godhood by their priests.
Consul-General of Peru, José Alberto Ortiz, is equally thrilled: “This exhibition highlights the rich history of Peru and the myths and rituals that shaped our culture. It’s an incredible opportunity for Australians to experience Machu Picchu and beyond.”
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets (starting at just $37.50) and get ready to uncover the golden secrets of Peru. Whether you’re a history buff, a VR enthusiast, or just someone who loves shiny things, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru promises to be the cultural event of the year. But don’t dawdle—this treasure trove is only in Sydney for six months.
With 23,000 tickets already sold, this is shaping up to be another exhibition from The Australian Museum that cannot be missed. Get your tickets early to a journey through time, where gold glitters, empires rise, and Machu Picchu’s secrets come alive.