The Ministry of Culture of Peru announced on May 5 that a total of 22,936 people visited 55 museums across the country for free during the first Sunday of May as part of the Open Museums (Museos Abiertos) initiative. This program allows free access to state-run museums on the first Sunday of each month in accordance with Law No. 30599.
The initiative aims to increase public engagement with cultural spaces and make heritage more accessible to all segments of society. The Ministry said visitors included adults, children, students, seniors, people with disabilities, and military personnel who participated in workshops, guided tours, exhibitions, craft fairs, and artistic performances designed for audiences of all ages.
Among the most visited sites were the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History (4,132 visitors), José Carlos Mariátegui Museum (2,161), Place of Memory (1,609), Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum (1,522), National Museum of Peruvian Culture (1,245), and Pachacamac Site Museum (1,100). Additional venues in Lima joined this edition such as Mateo Salado Archaeological Complex managed by Project Qhapaq Ñan; Graphic Museum at El Peruano newspaper; Electoral and Democracy Museum from the National Jury of Elections; and El Brujo – Cao Museum operated by Wiese Foundation in La Libertad. These partnerships highlight collaboration between public institutions and private organizations.
This edition was dedicated to International Museum Day celebrated every May 18. The theme “Museums uniting a divided world” encouraged recognition of museums as places for dialogue and social cohesion.
Open Museums is part of broader efforts by the Ministry to foster social inclusion through protection and promotion of heritage diversity across Peru using decentralized facilities alongside its San Borja headquarters according to the official website. The Ministry belongs to the Executive Branch as an autonomous body led by its minister. It promotes cultural identity while combating discrimination and racism through intercultural dialogue throughout Peruvian communities.
