OUR REVIEW
#Sydney We recently visited the @australianmuseum to check out Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru.
The exhibition begins on the upper floor with a short introduction video before visitors explore at their own pace through several rooms. The majority of the exhibition is in the basement also has a gift shop.
Stepping into the world of ancient Peru was fascinating seeing how people crafted intricate objects and decorated temple walls to leave a rich visual record for centuries to come. Mister particularly enjoyed the Andean shamans' world, where they were believed to take on animal superpowers to pass between realms.
The kids were intrigued by the idea of three coexisting worlds: the Upper World, the Here and Now, and the Inner World and how shamans crossed between them, battling monsters to gain their powers.
Although taboo, the Room of Sacrifice was very interesting. The warrior attire on display was stunning, and the Ancestors' Room showcased golden headrests in abundance, demonstrating how lords were buried in spectacular gold, silver, and other prized materials. This exhibition features the largest collection of gold crafted by ancient Peruvian societies to travel outside of Museo Larco, Lima, and many of the artefacts originate from Andean royal tombs - wow!
A highlight for us was the VR experience over Machu Picchu - it was breathtaking, the kids really enjoyed it! I usually get nauseous with VR, but this was well-made, smooth, and enjoyable. No rollercoaster sensations, don’t worry! The sweeping footage was captured by drone during the COVID pandemic when the historic site was closed to visitors, offering a rare, crowd-free perspective. Now I’m even more eager to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site in person one day!
We visited at 10 am on a Sunday, and it wasn’t too crowded, which was great. If you’re planning to go, I’d recommend not not leaving it until the final weeks so head there before it closes on 11 May 2025.
Note: The exhibition includes pottery with adult themes on the upper ground next to the escalator, as well as short animated video clips depicting acts of sacrifice with unclothed figures. #hosted #invited #australianmuseum
All photos property of Busy City Kids
Tuesday 4 February 2025, Sydney: 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.
Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru transports you to ancient Peru with breathtaking artefacts and immersive storytelling. With over 130 artefacts and one of the most impressive collections of gold to ever tour the globe, this is an exhibition not to be missed.
Embark on an incredible journey back thousands of years to ancient Peru. This extraordinary multi-sensory experience features stunning artefacts and immersive displays that bring the grandeur of Peru’s rich history to life. With the add-on VR experience, you can experience the majesty and awe of Machu Picchu without leaving Sydney, thanks to 360-degree motion chairs and cutting-edge drone footage. Don’t miss out and get your tickets today for Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru in Sydney!
Highlights:
Get an unparalleled glimpse into the opulent world of ancient Peru through state-of-the-art multimedia displays and stunning projections
Witness the daily lives and extraordinary achievements of the Andean people through fascinating jewellery, ceramics, and funerary objects
Experience the grandeur of Machu Picchu in VR with 360-degree motion chairs and cutting-edge drone footage (for an additional fee)
For an add-on fee, visitors will also experience the first-ever virtual reality "fly-through" of the Incan city, Machu Picchu, where they’ll be transported across the globe to see, hear and feel the mysterious city in the sky. Using ground-breaking VR, 360-degree motion chairs and cutting-edge drone footage, visitors will take part in an astonishing expedition to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, high in the forests of the Andean mountains, without leaving Sydney.
Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru will be supported by a rich variety of Peruvian themed events every month, including exclusive conversations, experiences, music and tours. The AM’s full summer program, Journey to Peru, will be announced soon.
Event Details:
Dates: Select your date & time directly in the ticket selector
Duration: Allow 1 hour
Ages: All ages are welcome!
Tickets: Off peak: Adult $37.50, Child $20, Family x 4 $94; Peak: Adult $42.50, Child $23.50, Family x 4 $110. VR experience: $22.00
Location: Australian Museum, 1, William St, Sydney, NSW, 2010
Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible. Special exhibition ticketed entry is free for those who hold a Companion Card and assist a ticket holder as a carer. Carer’s free entry is processed at the Australia Museum on presentation of their Companion Card.
Notes: Please consult the FAQs of this experience here
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