Archaeological Museum Ernst Middendorf

Museo de Sitio Ernst W. Middendorf

The Archaeological Museum Ernst W. Middendorf, named after the great German doctor and pioneer of archaeological investigations in Peru, is located inside the Parque de las Leyendas and surrounded by an area of high historical and archaeological value. Already over 2000 years ago, the first "limeños" started building pyramids, temples and dwellings on these grounds.

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The Archaeological Museum Ernst W. Middendorf, named after the great German doctor and pioneer of archaeological investigations in Peru, is located inside the Parque de las Leyendas.

Map of the Middendorf Museum in Lima

Memorial Plaque at the entrance of the Archaeological Ernst W. Middendorf Museum 

The small-scale modell shows the extention of the ancient City of Marange

Copy of the famous Lord of Sipan (Señor de Sipan) and his entourage displayed at the Archaeological Museum Ernst Middendorf

Over the time different cultures occupied the complexes, added constructions and expanded them to the glorious city of Maranga in the area of today's districts of Cercado de Lima (central Lima), Pueblo Libre and San Miguel. After the arrival of the Spaniards the complex was abandoned and nearly forgotten. Due to neglect, ignorance and urban growth many ancient constructions were destroyed. But luckily a few are left that are being investigated and preserved. Within the Archaeological Complex Maranga are 53 of these ancient buildings that are invaluable relics of the pre-Hispanic culture.

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Ancient mummy unearthed at the pre-hispanic City of Maranga 

Pre-Hispanic vessels displayed at the Ernst Middendorf Museum in Lima

Ancient ceramics excavated at the archaeological complex Marange are today exhibited at the on-site Ernst Middendorf Museum

Ernst W. Middendorf Museum located at the Parque de las Leyendas, Lima

The main aim of the Ernst Middendorf Museum is the protection of the legacy of the Maranga culture

The aim of the Museo de Sitio Ernst W. Middendorf (opened in January 2003), is to investigate, preserve, restore and protect the legacy of the Maranga for future generations and to increase the knowledge about and the awareness of this important cultural patrimony. The museum does not only exhibit interesting artifacts and mummies found in the different religious and ceremonial centers but as well explains the development of the area with its different cultures. Additionally the small museum offers educational programs like archaeological workshops for kids and workshops about preservation and restoration.