Australian Museum partners with travel experts to bring Machu Picchu to Sydney this summer

Friday 1 November 2024, Sydney: The Australian Museum (AM) today announced its lineup of tourism partners to bring the new major exhibition, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, to Sydney this summer.

Opening at the AM on Saturday 23 November 2024, the exhibition is presented in partnership with Neon Global, 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 Sydney Hyde Park. Sydney will be the fourth city in the world to host this blockbuster following on from Boca Raton, Florida, USA; Paris, France; and Milan, Italy.

Visitors to the Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition will have the chance to enter to win a once-in-a-lifetime 10-day trip for two to Peru sponsored by Adventure World and LATAM Airlines. Worth more than $20,000, the competition prize will include touring the rich history of Lima, exploring the markets and ruins of Cusco, and walking among the clouds at the legendary World Heritage site, Machu Picchu.

Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO, thanked the partners for their support, helping enable the AM to be the exclusive destination for the exhibition in the region.

“We know Australian Museum visitors love cultural exhibitions, and that Machu Picchu is a top bucket-list destination for many of them. After experiencing the rich history and culture of Peru in the exhibition, we hope many visitors are also inspired to travel there with our outstanding travel partners,” McKay said.

“The exhibition also features an extraordinary VR experience where you are introduced to Machu Picchu, the ancient city in the clouds,” McKay added.

Adventure World Managing Director, Neil Rodgers, said Adventure World is pleased to continue its longstanding partnership with the AM, supporting an exhibition that highlights one of its most popular destinations. As part of Adventure World’s support of the exhibition, they will be donating ten percent* of the value of any trip booked during the exhibition period to the Australian Museum Foundation.

“Adventure World is committed to curating unique and sustainable experiences in some of the world’s most fascinating regions, like Peru. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Australian Museum to bring Machu Picchu to Sydney this summer and look forward to creating positive travel experiences for those who decide to venture there in person with us,” Rodgers said.

LATAM Airlines Country Manager – Oceania, Christopher Ellis, said the exhibition comes at the perfect time, as LATAM has just celebrated the return of its highly anticipated non-stop Sydney to Santiago route. As part of their support for the exhibition, LATAM is offering an exclusive Australian Museum promo code for a ten percent discount on flights from Australia to Peru**.

“LATAM Airlines is thrilled to be partnering with the Australian Museum on the Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition. It is a fantastic time to be part of this celebration of one of South America’s greatest cultural and historic landmarks as we’ve recently relaunched our direct Sydney to Santiago route, which sees travellers arrive in South America in less than 13 hours. This service connects seamlessly with our routes to Peru with four daily connecting flights to Lima and three weekly to Cusco. We hope the exhibition and our exclusive promotion code will inspire Australian Museum visitors to plan a trip to experience the wonders of Peru in person. We look forward to welcoming them on board soon,” Ellis said.

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park will be offering packages for Australian Museum visitors including tickets to the Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition, a morning buffet breakfast at Windows on the Park, overnight accommodation, and an activity pack for children.

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park General Manager, Nikki Little, said they are thrilled to support another summer blockbuster at the AM, following the success of last year’s Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition.

“For visitors coming to the exhibition from outside of Sydney, the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park is an ideal hotel to stay given its proximity to the Australian Museum. We look forward to offering an exclusive accommodation package for visitors to Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, enabling more interstate visitors to experience this blockbuster exhibition,” Little said.

The Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition and VR experience will commence its limited six-month run in Sydney on Saturday 23 November 2024. Ticket prices start at $37.50 for adults, and $20 for children, with VR tickets from $22.

*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.

**LATAM Exclusive Australian Museum promo code details: The discount is 10% from AU-PE up until the 11 NOV with travel dates 1 MAR- 30 JUN 25. See QR code here.

Event details

• What: Exhibition and VR, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru
• When: Saturday 22 November, 2024 – February 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

Machu Picchu Events

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 summer program, Journey to Peru include:

Peru'sing the Menu: A Brief History of Ceviche: Uncover the history and culinary artistry of Peru’s iconic dish, ceviche, in this chef-led session on South American cuisine. Date: Wednesday, 22 January 2025 | Cost: TBC

Conversations of the Golden Empires: From the Andes to the Amazon: Join experts for a journey through Peruvian archaeology and the spiritual legacies of its ancient empires. Date: Saturday, 14 December 2024, 10:30am - 11:30am | Cost: $10 Member, $25 Non-Member, $22.50 Concession

Conversations of the Golden Empires: Modern Discoveries of an Ancient Land: Explore Peru’s biodiversity and its insights into ancient life, culture, and beliefs, guided by historians and scientists.Date: Saturday, 8 February 2025, 10:30am - 11:30am | Cost: $10 Member, $25 Non-Member, $22.50 Concession

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.

Media Enquiries:

Claire Vince, Media and Communications Adviser
T 0468 726 910
E Claire.Vince@Australian.Museum