The Australian Museum announces Machu Picchu exhibition extension and two-day Fiesta de Perú celebration
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.
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.
The Australian Museum announces the extension of its major summer exhibition, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, until Sunday 11 May 2025.
Image: Anna Kučera© Australian Museum
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
Celebrate Latin American culture with Fiesta de Peru, as the Australian Museum transforms for a weekend of Andean culture, offering a series of free and ticketed events.
Image: Natalia Mroz© Australian Museum
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
Celebrate Latin American culture with Fiesta de Peru, as the Australian Museum transforms for a weekend of Andean culture, offering a series of free and ticketed events.
Image: Natalia Mroz© Australian Museum
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.
Download the media release
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
- 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 and active research on some of the most pressing environmental 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 immersive experiences. 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 inspired by the Wizarding World open now in Brussels, Belgium, and DC, slated to launch in 2025. The Company also partners with the governments of Peru and Egypt for their original artifact IP experiences, Machu Picchu, and the Golden Empires of Peru and Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs, respectively, plus authentic artifact tours Pompeii: The Exhibition, Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, Victoria the T. Rex and Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away. These partnerships have enabled the Group to bring compelling experiences that leave lasting memories to millions of visitors in more than 60 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 stand out destinations including 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.
