LUM - Place of Memory Museum Lima
A striking museum exploring Peru's conflict, blending powerful history with breathtaking cliffside architecture and ocean views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
LUM - Place of Memory Museum Lima
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking museum exploring Peru's conflict, blending powerful history with breathtaking cliffside architecture and ocean views.
"A must-visit for its unique architecture and profound historical insights into Peru's past."
🎯 Download Info Beforehand
Consider downloading offline maps or any available English audio guides before arriving due to spotty signal. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the multi-level architecture. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Marvel
Exterior and interior spaces
Experience a unique building carved into cliffs, offering dramatic ocean views and symbolic design.

Victims' Testimonies
Exhibition halls
Hear powerful, real stories from those affected by Peru's conflict. A deeply moving human rights perspective.

Pacific Coast Views
Rooftop terrace
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the museum's open-air rooftop.
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Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Hours
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Download Info Beforehand
Consider downloading offline maps or any available English audio guides before arriving due to spotty signal.
:iphone:🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the multi-level architecture.
:athletic_shoe:🎟️ Free Entry is a Plus!
Enjoy this significant historical site without any admission fee.
:moneywithwings:🤔 Prepare for Emotional Content
The museum deals with sensitive topics; be prepared for a profound and potentially emotional experience.
Peru itinerary help - extra day in Lima what to do?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Download Info Beforehand
Consider downloading offline maps or any available English audio guides before arriving due to spotty signal.
:iphone:🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the multi-level architecture.
:athletic_shoe:🎟️ Free Entry is a Plus!
Enjoy this significant historical site without any admission fee.
:moneywithwings:🤔 Prepare for Emotional Content
The museum deals with sensitive topics; be prepared for a profound and potentially emotional experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the LUM Museum for its striking contemporary architecture and its crucial role in commemorating Peru's history of violence and promoting human rights. The building's design, integrated into the cliffs with ocean views, is a significant highlight. However, some reviewers note a lack of comprehensive English explanations and inconsistent QR code functionality for audio guides, which can hinder understanding for non-Spanish speakers.
"This museum has a great architectural profile with a rich history of the violence uprising in the country. The way you move through the museum is interesting, as you get rewarded with amazing views of the pacific coast after the exhibition(s)"
Juan Medina
"The museum explains the violence that occurred between the Shining Path libration army (Maoist socialist group that gain power in the countryside) and the military. There were many victims and you get to hear their stories. Unfortunately the English explanation was non existent. The QR codes were suppose to take you to a Google drive page with English audio but I didn’t find it there on occasion. Also, the building is built on the cliffs and being surrounded by the cliffs did not make it easy to receive any signal… what I did realized was that there were a lot about the Shining paths atrocities but there wasn’t much regarding what the military did to the citizens caught in between. I’m just a casual visitor but I could tell it just from following up on wiki that there’s more to the story.
Exhibition aside, it’s an excellent contemporary architecture that is built into the cliff side. The entrance of the building makes you descend into the depths between the building and the cliffs methodically creating the feeling of being stuck between a rock and a hard place which is what many of the victims felt. The entire museum is connected via ramps (close to being wheelchair accessible) and light penetrations from both sides (from the windows) as well as from top to bottom (from the circular sky lites and glass gaps between the slab). The roof is an open space with amazing views of the Pacific. Highly recommend it for people who enjoy history and contemporary architecture."
George “Geological” Lin
"Great museum. Learned a lot about the lost decade of the 80s and the terrorism of the SL. Very well curated with testimonies of victims and those who lost friends and family. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Lima"
Bernd Klanten
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The LUM Museum is located in Miraflores, Lima, at Calle San Martín 151. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services, or public transport. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring Miraflores.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, street parking might be available in the Miraflores area, or you can utilize nearby paid parking lots. Ride-sharing is a popular and easy option.
Yes, depending on your starting point in Miraflores, the LUM Museum is often within walking distance of other attractions like the Malecón.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The LUM Museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.
No, admission to the LUM Museum is completely free. This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option for exploring Lima's history.
Since admission is free and it's not typically overcrowded, advance booking is usually not required. You can generally walk in during operating hours.
The museum often hosts temporary exhibitions and events related to memory, human rights, and social inclusion. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for the latest updates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The LUM Museum (Place of Memory, Tolerance, and Social Inclusion) explores Peru's recent history, focusing on the conflict between terrorist groups and the government from 1980-2000, and its impact on victims.
The museum deals with sensitive and potentially disturbing historical events. While it's educational, parents should consider their children's maturity level before visiting.
English explanations can be limited. Some visitors have reported issues with QR codes for audio guides not working or lacking English translations for all exhibits.
The architecture is a significant highlight, with the museum built into the cliffs, featuring ramps, light penetrations, and a rooftop terrace offering stunning ocean views.
Photography policies can vary, but generally, visitors are allowed to take photos in most areas, especially to capture the impressive architecture. However, it's always best to be respectful of the exhibits and other visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, the ramps, the rooftop terrace with ocean views, and the symbolic interior spaces are excellent for photography.
While the architecture is highly photogenic, it's advisable to check specific signage within exhibition halls. Respectful photography is usually permitted, but flash might be restricted.
LUM Museum is ideal for architectural photography, capturing the unique design integrated with the natural landscape, and for thoughtful, documentary-style shots of the exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Memory
Architects like Sandra Barclay and Jean Pierre Crousse designed the space to be both a memorial and a place of dialogue. The building's integration with the natural landscape, particularly the stunning Pacific coast views from its rooftop, offers moments of contemplation and hope amidst the heavy subject matter. This architectural brilliance makes the LUM Museum a must-visit for anyone interested in how design can powerfully communicate historical narratives.
Experiencing the Design
* Symbolic Descent: The entrance guides you downwards, mirroring the gravity of the historical period explored.
* Natural Light: Light plays a crucial role, illuminating pathways and creating a sense of openness.
* Rooftop Panorama: The open-air terrace provides a breathtaking contrast, offering a serene space to process the museum's content while gazing at the ocean.
Understanding Peru's 'Lost Decade'
Through personal testimonies, artifacts, and multimedia exhibits, the LUM Museum aims to ensure that the atrocities of this period are not forgotten. It provides a critical platform for understanding the complexities of the conflict, the impact on civilian populations caught in the crossfire, and the long road to peace and reconciliation. Visitors often leave with a deeper appreciation for human rights and the importance of remembering history to prevent future tragedies.
Key Aspects of the Conflict:
* Shining Path: A radical Maoist group responsible for widespread violence and terror.
* MRTA: Another insurgent group with a different ideology and operational style.
* Civilian Impact: The museum emphasizes how ordinary citizens suffered immensely from the actions of both insurgent groups and state security forces.
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