House of the Riva Agüero Family

Casa de Riva Agüero

This beautiful mansion was built in 1760 on behalf of the Riva Agüero family. It was then donated by the last descendant Don José de la Riva Agüero to the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. Inside this typical Colonial mansion the Institute Riva-Agüero holds an extensive historical archive and a rich library. The building also houses the Museo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares.

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The beautifully carved wooden balconies of the Casa Riva Agüero are typical for Lima's architecture in Colonial times.

Characterisitc for the Colonial building style is the main portal which leads into a mostly beautiful, greened patio.

Patio of the Casa Riva Agüero

Next to an extensive historical archive and a rich library the Casa Riva Agüero houses as well the Museum of Art and Popular Tradition of the Institute Riva-Agüero

The Museum of Art and Popular Traditions located inside the Casa Riva Agüero offers a unique ethnic collection.

The museum in the Casa Riva Agüero was opened on the 25th of October 1979 founded with donations of some of the most important and significant art collectors in Peru like Mildred Merino de Zela, Mariano Benítes and Gertrud de Solari to name a few. The museum displays around 7000 art objects collected with dedication and expertise. The quality and uniqueness of the exhibits not only amazes the interested public, but also ethnologist and historians. Without a doubt the museum offers a beautiful ethnic collection of Peru.