A large media event took place on Thursday morning to launch the Australian Museum’s mega summer exhibition MACHU PICCHU AND THE GOLDEN EMPIRES OF PERU. Sydney becomes the fourth major city in the world to host this blockbuster exhibition to host this blockbuster exhibition following on from Bosch Raton, Florida, Paris and Milan.
The media preview began with speeches by Kim McKay AO, the Hon John Graham MLC, and Neon CEO Ron Tan which were followed by some mesmeric Peruvian musicianship and dancing. Tben we were seductively led in to enjoy a truly stunning, wonderfully expansive exhibition that explores the secrets of Peru’s ancient civilisation which culminated in the Incan Empire that created the magical Machu Picchu.
The exhibition focuses on six key themes; tracing the origins of ancient Peruvian societies; their religious beliefs and rituals, royal power, trade and agriculture, and their eventual decline at the hands of the Spanish conqujstadors.
Visitors journey through the vast expanses of Andean history, discovering the myths and cosmology of ancient Peru, through the royal burial treasures, exquisite ceramics and objects that reveal the everyday and sacred lives of six prominent cultures covering the most recent 3000 years of civilisations : Chavin, Moche, Chimu, Nazca, Lambayrque, and Inca.
For an added immersive experience, visitors can take the opportunity to embark on the first ever virtual reality (VR) tour of Machu Picchu, offering a birdseye view of the famed UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised as one of the Nee Seven Wonders of the World, and a symbol of the Inca Empires architectural and cultural achievements. I can vouch that this VR tour, using the latest cutting edge technology.
The Australian Museum is supporting the exhibition with a rich variety of Peruvian themed events each month, including exclusive conversations, experiences, music and tours.
Here are a few of my pics taken from the exhibition.
The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday 23 November 2024. The Australian Museum is situated at 1 William Street, Sydney, on the corner of College Street. The exhibition will run for the next six months. For ticketing information, booking and the Australian Museum hours visit the Australian Museum website.
