Embark on an incredible journey back thousands of years with Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. This extraordinary multi-sensory experience features stunning artefacts and immersive displays that bring the grandeur of Peru’s fascinating history to life.



Explore the rich heritage of some of the world’s most captivating civilisations at the Australian Museum’s Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition. Using a combination of state-of-the-art projections, video and priceless artefacts, this immersive experience offers an unparalleled glimpse into the opulent history of the Andean people.

Come face to face with over 130 ancient artefacts including exquisite jewellery, funerary objects from royal tombs and one of the most impressive gold collections to tour the globe. These priceless treasures illuminate the artistic brilliance and cultural sophistication of ancient Peru, offering fascinating insights into the daily lives, spiritual beliefs and extraordinary achievements of these ancient civilisations.

Marvel at the wonders of legendary Machu Picchu, the pinnacle of Inca engineering. You’ll unravel the mysteries of how ancient Peruvian societies flourished in harmony with the challenging environment and learn why their innovations continue to inspire awe today.

A small side area showcases erotic ceramic artefacts that illustrate the Andean fascination with natural life cycles, birth and death.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is both educational and exhilarating. Don’t miss out on your chance to see these stunning exhibits first-hand. Exclusive to the Australian Museum, the exhibition is in Australia for a limited time only.



Prices

Education groups (incl. GST) – Peak/Off Peak

  • Domestic preschool, primary and secondary students – $23/$15
  • Teachers/supervisors (within supervision ratio) – Free
  • Additional teachers/supervisors – $42.50/$37.50
  • Concession (students & concession card holders) - $37.50/$33.50

Tourism trade

  • Tourism trade discounts are available on all days during the Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition and applies to all regular public Peak and Off-peak prices. A quote will be provided when you register your interest.

Audio guides
An audio guide can be purchased for your visit to Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru for an additional $9 per person. Please indicate your interest in the booking form and our Bookings Office will include the price in your booking confirmation.

Please ensure to bring your own mobile device and headphones to listen to the audio guide. It will be accessible through a QR code / URL weblink to connect to your own individual mobile devices.



Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru closes May 2025. Availability may be limited towards the end of the exhibition period. Booking enquiries for education or tourism groups can be made by contacting our bookings office at group.bookings@australian.museum or 02 9320 6222.

Please note, bookings within 4 weeks of your visit will require confirmation of final attendance numbers at the time of booking.


Frequently Asked Questions

Ticket information

Tuesday to Thursday 10am – 12pm, during the NSW school term.

Please contact group.bookings@australian.museum for booking enquiries during NSW school term outside these days and times.

Note: Discounted student rates are not available during the following peak period.

  • Term 4, 2024: Weekdays from 9 December 2024
  • Friday - Sunday
  • After 5pm
  • School and public holidays (e.g. Easter long weekend)

Tourism trade can book in any date and time during Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. You can view availability when registering.

A tourism trade discount will be applied to regular public prices. Note that different prices apply during Peak and Off-Peak periods as follows:

Peak:

  • Friday - Sunday
  • Public holidays
  • School holidays
  • After 5pm

Off Peak:

  • Monday - Thursday, during Australian school term

Visit the exhibition page to find out more.



Making a booking

To register your interest for an education booking, click on ‘Education & tourism bookings’ above. Select a preferred date and time and then enter your groups’ details in the form.

A member of our team will be in contact with you within 7 days to confirm your booking. While your preferred date and time cannot be guaranteed, our team will do their best to align with your selection.

Bookings must be made at least four weeks in advance. If your visit is within four weeks, please contact the Group Bookings Office.


To register your interest for a tourism trade booking, click on ‘Education & tourism bookings’ above. Select a preferred date and time and then enter your groups’ details in the form, ensuring you select what type of tourism trade you are.

A member of our team will be in contact with you within 7 days to confirm your booking. While your preferred date and time cannot be guaranteed, our team will do their best to align with your selection.


The maximum group size is 24 people per 15 minute session.


Teachers and supervisors are free within our recommended supervision ratios:

  • Preschool- Year 2: 1 teacher to 5 students
  • Years 3-6: 1 teacher to 10 students
  • Years 7-12: 1 teacher to 15 students
  • Tertiary: 1 teacher to 15 students
  • Students with additional needs: 1 adult to 1 student

Additional teachers outside the ratio will be charged at full price.


After you have confirmed your numbers with the Group Bookings Office you will be issued a tax invoice. Payment can be made by credit card over the phone or by EFT or cheque. Payment must be made in full prior to your visit.

Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions before making a booking.


Contact our Group Bookings Office at least 4 weeks prior to your visit via email to group.bookings@australian.museum. Failure to notify us of any changes or cancellations will incur the full cost of the booking.

Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions before making a booking.



Before your visit

Contact our Group Bookings Office at least 4 weeks prior to your visit. You will be invoiced based on the final number confirmed. Payment must be made in full prior to your visit.

Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions before making a booking.


You will not receive individual tickets. When you have confirmed your final numbers and paid for your booking, you will be sent a booking confirmation for entry to the exhibition.


We are unable to provide school bag or cloaking facilities for the exhibition. Please ensure all your visitors come prepared to carry only essential items during their visit.


You must arrive 30 minutes before your booked session time.


We recommend between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours to experience the exhibition.



Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is presented in partnership with Neon, Museo Larco and the Ministry of Culture of Peru.



Contact us

Have a question? Email the Group Bookings Office, call us on (02) 9320 6222 or leave an enquiry here.


Visitor information


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