Museum Antonio Raimondi

The "Museum Raimondi" is a part of the group of integral institutions of the Educational Association Antonio Raimondi, a private organization of the Italian community in Peru, which aim is to promote and strengthen the bonds between Peru and Italy. The museum was founded in 1981 to preserve the legacy and work of the most important naturalistic traveler in Peruvian history, the Italian Antonio Raimondi.

Antonio Raimondi was born in Milan, Italy in 1824 and was already as child very interested in natural science. In 1850 he left Italy to escape the independence war in his country and came to Peru for researches, scientific investigations and other observations; the decision for Peru was very emotional but as well deliberate. He was fascinated by the at this time absolutely unexplored country of the Incas. Antonio Raimondi traveled more than 19 years in countless trips through Peru and explored the country and the people under different aspects of science. He investigated as well the impact of the Spanish presence on the Peruvians and their culture.

The already during his lifetime well respected scientist gathered animals, plants, insects, mineral, stones, fossils, drew maps, painted watercolours and did much more. A lot of his findings and discoveries are well assorted shown in the museum dedicated to him. The main objective of the "Museo Raimondi" is to honour this great scientist and preserve his inestimable and irreplaceable efforts for Peru and the general science.

The museum displays the results of his unremitting work in all areas he did researches like archaeology, botanic, geology, history, chemistry, zoology, geography and cartography and mineralogy.