[Sydney] The Australian Museum Announces Machu Picchu Exhibition Extension and Two-Day Fiesta de Perú Celebration

The Australian Museum (AM) today announced the extension of its major summer exhibition, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, until Sunday 11 May 2025. To give audiences an even greater taste of Peruvian culture, the AM will also host Fiesta de Perú, a vibrant two-day festival celebrating the rich heritage of the Andes.

Running from Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 February 2025, Fiesta de Perú features a diverse program of free and ticketed events, including live music and dance performances, Peruvian culinary experiences, artisan markets, and engaging cultural activities. At the same time, visitors can continue to enjoy the extended exhibition, which features 134 priceless artefacts alongside an award-winning virtual reality (VR) tour of Machu Picchu.

Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO, said Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru and its related programming transports visitors to Peru without leaving Sydney.

“The response to Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru has been fantastic, and we are thrilled to give more visitors the opportunity to experience this remarkable exhibition. Fiesta de Perú adds another layer, allowing everyone to celebrate the vibrant culture of modern Peru. Together, these events provide a rich and engaging way to explore the beauty and history of Peru,” McKay said.

Image supplied

Fiesta de Perú Highlights:

Ticketed Events:

  • Pepito's Pisco Masterclass
    Learn the tips and tricks to making the perfect pisco sour from José Alkon, founder of renowned Marrickville bar and restaurant Pepito’s.
    When: Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 February 2025, 12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm
    Cost: $80 Member, $100 Non-Member
    Recommended Ages: 18+

  • Secrets of the Andean Cloud Forests and Beyond
    Explore the unique biodiversity of the Andean cloud forests with Australian Museum Chief Scientist and Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute, Professor Kris Helgen. Discover the flora and fauna of this megadiverse region, its ties to Australia, and a ground-breaking mammal discovery.
    When: Saturday 22 February 2025, 11.30am - 12.30pm
    Cost: Free, registration required
    Recommended Ages: 16+ years

  • The Social Lives of Human Remains
    Examine the connections between life, death, and empire in Ancient Peru in this engaging talk by Dr. Jacob Bongers, Andean Archaeologist at the University of Sydney.
    When: Sunday 23 February 2025: 11.30am - 12.30pm
    Cost: Free, registration required
    Recommended Ages: 16+ years

Drop-In Events:

  • Mother Tongue: Film Screening + Q&A
    Enjoy a free screening of Mother Tongue, a documentary by Peruvian Filmmaker Dr. Gabina Funegra, exploring efforts to preserve Quechua, the language of the Incas. A post-screening Q&A will be hosted by Dr. Fernanda Peñaloza from the University of Sydney.
    When: Saturday 22 February 2025, 1.30pm - 2.45pm
    Recommended Ages: 14+

  • ‘AINBO- Spirit of the Amazon’: Film Screening
    Ainbo- Spirit of the Amazon is the epic journey of a young hero and her Spirit Guides, "Dillo," a cute and humorous armadillo, and "Vaca," a goofy oversized tapir, who embark on a quest to save their home in the spectacular Amazon Rainforest.
    When: Sunday 23rd February 2025, 1.30pm - 3pm
    Recommended Age: All ages

  • World above, world below: Photo Essay
    Explore Peruvian Carnaval traditions through a photo essay by Peruvian Australian photojournalist Isabella Melody Moore. The portraits, shot on 35mm film, capture the vibrant cultural heritage of Cusco’s Sacred Valley.
    When: Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 February 2025
    Recommended Ages: All ages

  • Duo Jimenez and Te Amo Peru: Live Music & Dance
    Experience traditional Andean music by Duo Jimenez and energetic dance performances by Te Amo Perú. Families can also enjoy free Marinera dance lessons throughout the day.
    When: Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 February 2025, 10am - 2pm
    Recommended Ages: All ages

  • La Cantina de Cusco: Food and Drink
    Taste delectable Andean dishes and snacks as the museum’s kiosk becomes La Cantina de Cusco for the Fiesta.
    When: Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 February 2025, 10am-5pm
    Recommended Ages: All ages

  • Market Stalls:
    The Latin American handmade mini-market offers a variety of Andean inspired trinkets and pieces, from knitwear to art prints.  With stalls from Earthica, Altrimenti, Maloca, Tonsuca and Peruvian Australian visual artist Natalie Estay Valenzuela, the market is the perfect opportunity to support sustainable and ethical craftsmanship.
    When: Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 February 2025, 10am-4pm

Visitors can enjoy exclusive partner offers, including the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime 10-day trip to Peru, courtesy of Adventure World and LATAM Airlines. Adventure World will also donate 10%* of bookings made during the exhibition period to the Australian Museum Foundation, while Pullman Sydney Hyde Park offers packages with exhibition tickets, accommodation, buffet breakfast and family-friendly perks.

Visit the exhibition and event pages at australian.museum to pre-book your tickets for Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru and Fiesta de Perú events.

Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is presented in partnership with Neon, Museo Larco and the Ministry of Culture of Peru and proudly supported by Major Exhibition Partner, Adventure World; Airline Partner, LATAM Airlines; along with Hotel Partner, Pullman Hotels.

*The 10% donation applies to all bookings of Adventure World trips to Africa & Middle East, North America, Latin America, Nordics and Asia. T&Cs apply, minimum booking value per trip is $2000 per booking based on land and cruise revenue. Contact an Adventure World Destination Expert for a quote on 1300 369 751 or am@adventureworld.com and use promo code AWAM2024 when booking your trip.

EVENT DETAILS

  • What: Fiesta de Perú and new tickets released for Machu Picchu exhibition and VR experience

  • When: Fiesta de Peru: Friday 21 – Sunday 23 February 2025 | Machu Picchu exhibition and VR experience on through to Sunday 11 May 2025

  • Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 2/3

  • Exhibition Tickets: Off peak: Adult $37.50, Child $20.00, Family x 4 $94.00; Peak: Adult $42.50, Child $ 23.50, Family x 4 $110.00. VR experience: $22.00

More info & tickets here.

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