Discover the Spirit of Peru through culinary experiences, talks and evening events at the Australian Museum

12 December 2024, Sydney: Visitors to the Australian Museum’s major summer exhibition, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, can deepen their connection to the treasures and tales of Peru through a vibrant program of events that brings the culture, history, and spirit of ancient Andean civilizations to life.

From exclusive expert-led conversations to immersive after-hours experiences, the AM’s Journey to Peru series offers opportunities to explore the legacy of Peru’s ancient empires in engaging, unforgettable ways.

Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO, said these events provide a chance to connect further with the stories behind the artefacts and the broader cultural significance of ancient Peru.

“Through this rich series of talks and experiences, visitors will be able to delve deeper into the culture, beliefs, and achievements of ancient Andean civilizations. Whether it’s hearing directly from archaeologists, historians, or musicians, these events will enhance the exhibition experience and bring a piece of Peru right to Sydney,” McKay said.

Highlights of the Journey to Peru Series:

Conversations of the Golden Empires: From the Andes to the Amazon

Join leading experts as they explore Peruvian archaeology, spirituality, and the achievements of the ancient Andean civilizations. This fascinating discussion, featuring Dr. Chris Carter, Professor Julian Droogan, and journalist Caroline Baum, traverses thousands of years of history and culture.

When: Saturday 14 December 2024, 10:30am – 11:30am

Cost: $10 Member, $25 Non-Member, $22.50 Concession

Recommended Ages: 16+

Conversations of the Golden Empires: Modern Discoveries of an Ancient Land

Dive into the connections between Peru’s biodiversity and ancient culture in this discussion featuring the Australian Museum’s Chief Scientist, Prof. Kris Helgen, and Andean archaeology expert, Dr. Jacob Bongers. Hosted by ABC Radio National’s Natasha Mitchell, this session explores how Peru’s unique environment shaped its civilizations.

When: Saturday 8 February 2025, 10:30am – 11:30am

Cost: $10 Member, $25 Non-Member, $22.50 Concession

Recommended Ages: 16+

Peru’sing the Menu: A Brief History of Ceviche

Tantalise your tastebuds with award winning Executive Chef of Morena Alejandro Saravia as he shares the history of Peru’s national dish, ceviche. Enjoy pisco sours, canapés, and an exclusive tour of Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru led by our guest expert in Andean archaeology, Dr. Jacob Bongers.

When: Wednesday 22 January 2025 | 5:30pm – 7pm or 7pm – 8:30pm

Cost: $148 Member, $185 Non-Member

Recommended Ages: 18+

Peruvian Nights at the Museum

Experience the magic of ancient Peru after dark! During Sydney Festival, the Museum will open late every Wednesday in January, with live music, Peruvian-inspired snacks at our pop-up bar, and exclusive access to Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. Catch Peruvian musicians Duo Jimenez and soak up the Afro-Peruvian rhythms of ALLY featuring Giorgio Rojas.

When: 8, 15, and 22 January 2025, 5pm – 9pm

Cost: Free general entry (exhibition tickets sold separately)

The celebration of Peru doesn’t stop here! Stay tuned for an exciting announcement about a vibrant Peruvian Fiesta coming to the Australian Museum in February. Full details to be revealed soon.

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

EVENT DETAILS

• What: Events, Exhibition and VR, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru
• When: Open from Saturday 23 November
• 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
• For more information and to book tickets visit Australian Museum
• Editors note: Imagery, footage, background information here
• Social Media: Facebook: @australianmuseum; Instagram: @australianmuseum; Twitter: @austmus / Hashtags: #AustralianMuseum

About the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation’s first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. The AM’s mission is to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change. The AM’s vision is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. The AM commits to transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; to being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and to continuing to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs. With 22 million objects and specimens and the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM is not only a dynamic source of reliable scientific information on some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing our region, but also an important site of cultural exchange and learning.

About NEON

NEON is a global leader in creating and producing experiential entertainment. NEON enjoys worldwide partnerships with The Walt Disney Company and Marvel Entertainment for Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. and Marvel Avengers Station: Evolution, 20th Century Studios for AVATAR: The Exhibition, Hasbro for Transformers: The Experience, NBCUniversal for Jurassic World: The Exhibition, and Lionsgate for The Hunger Games: The Exhibition. It also has a partnership with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment to produce two brand-new, unique global touring themed art experiences namely Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, and a DC inspired experience slated to debut in 2025. The Company also partners with the governments of Egypt and Peru for their original artefact IP experiences, Ramses the Great & the Gold of the Pharaohs and Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, respectively, plus authentic artefact tours Pompeii: The Exhibition, Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, and Victoria the T. Rex.

The Group’s IP experiences are powered by ANIMAX, a fully owned subsidiary and a world-class creative animatronics powerhouse that specialises in research and development, engineering and entertainment robotics, with state-of-the-art facilities located in Nashville, US, Wuxi, China and the Middle East.

NEON’s global partnerships have enabled the Group to bring compelling experiences that leave lasting memories to millions of visitors in more than 80 cities to date globally. For more information, please visit www.neonglobal.com.

About Adventure World

Adventure World is a dedicated team of global adventurers with over 40 years of experience in curating authentic and sustainable travel experiences. We ensure that our guests truly connect with the essence of each destination while enjoying the flexibility of customisable itineraries. Our offerings are guided by our Travel with Purpose charter, which aims to celebrate and conserve cultures, create socio-economic benefits for communities, protect wildlife, and restore marine ecosystems. We strive to create genuine opportunities for like-minded travellers to join us in this mission. We collaborate closely with partners such as TreadRight Foundation, Animals Asia, and the Australian Museum, aligning our efforts with 11 of the United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals. Through our Travel with Purpose philosophy, we actively put these ideals into action. Adventure World was awarded Most Outstanding Wholesaler – Destination / Experience at the 2024 National Travel Industry Awards.

About LATAM Airlines

Latam Airlines is the leading airline in South America, with the largest network of destinations in the continent. The airline has more than 90 years of experience in the marketplace. Recent winner of the "Best Airline in South America” award for the fifth consecutive year and “Best airline staff in South America” by Skytrax.

LATAM Airlines Group is the fifth airline with the best performance in sustainability worldwide according to the most recent Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), by Standard & Poor's. (S&P Global). This allowed the group being the only airline on the continent to be classified in the 2023 edition of "The Sustainability Yearbook".

Non-stop flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Santiago de Chile, and from there connections to more than 120 destinations in the region, with standout destinationsincluding Cusco, Torres del Paine, Cartagena de Indias, Easter Island, Buenos Aires, Galapagos Islands, Rio de Janeiro and more. South America awaits you. Discover your next adventure at latam.com

About Pullman Sydney Hyde Park

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park blends contemporary style with exclusive service, providing an urban escape in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Positioned opposite Hyde Park, this 5-star hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers with 241 modern rooms and suites, offering breathtaking views of the city and park. Guests can enjoy premium amenities including a rooftop pool, fitness centre, and a variety of dining options. As part of Pullman Hotels & Resorts, a global brand with over 140 properties worldwide, Pullman Sydney Hyde Park delivers an energising, connected experience that embodies the spirit of modern travel. Pullman is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with over 5,200 properties across 110 countries.

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