Gold in Lima
May 12, 09 by Sergio Reyna 
”I al oro asimismo decian que era lagrimas que el Sol llorava”.
Conquista i Poblacion del Piru.
My watch rang one o’clock when our tour on the double decker bus was over. My friend had to go, and I stayed at the Miraflores Central Park trying to figure it out how I could get the Peruvian Gold Museum from here.
Even though Angamos avenue was at a walking distance from the park, I preferred to catch a van or “combi”. The heat was just unbearable. Once at that spot, I waited for another combi which went by all along Primavera avenue. The driver had me get off at the right bus stop.
I just walked one block from the avenue along a noiseless street till I saw a tall stone fence surrounding the museum. Behind the wall there were trees crowning the gateway. Getting inside, I took some minutes to hang around a few handicrafts shops. A building appeared as a backdrop guarded by a couple of black cannons. Gold was about to hold me spellbound.
However, the first thing I noticed as I passed through the threshold was an entire storey filled with an array of weapons. No wonder it is also known as the Weapon of the World Museum. I was much more interested in the display of precious metals, though. Hoteles en Cusco At the desk, I rented a headset that eventually would become my guide.
I went down to the basement and got into a vault. The scene was just surreal as if I had come into a room in Matrix film. The strongroom was almost involved in darkness and even the floor was rather black. But the gloom was dispelled by spotlights aimed at a dozen of showcases. I pressed the play button.
The female voice led me to a history journey of more than two thousands years. Thousands of masterpieces were made by goldsmiths and silversmiths especially from Peruvian northern cultures such as Chavin, Lambayeque or Sican, Vicus, Chimu, and Moche. I was intrigued by the Frias style, but research was just at the very beginning as the voice let me know.
The most impressive piece of art is a weasel made of 22k gold with turquoise, and platinum fangs. I sat on the floor not only to admire the craftsmanship but also to take a break. When I left the Copper room, the last of a series of about six,
it was about four o’clock. I was in a hurry as I got to visit a friend of mine. May I have another chance to look at the weapons stored in this museum?
Useful Information:
Address: Alonso de Molina 1100, Monterrico, Surco
Open: Monday thru Sunday 11:30am – 7pm
Entrance Fee: 33.00 nuevos soles (adult), headset: 10 nuevos soles. Both as february 2009
Pictures or film are not allowed inside.
