Museo de Arte de Lima, MALI

The Museo de Arte de Lima – MALI is one of Peru’s most important cultural institutions, dedicated to preserving and promoting over 3,000 years of artistic heritage. The museum, housed at the historic Palacio de la Exposición in downtown Lima, opened its doors in 1961. It holds a vast and diverse collection of more than 21,000 works that span from pre-Columbian and Colonial art to Republican and Contemporary artworks, offering a comprehensive view of Peru’s visual culture across time.

MALI serves as more than a museum—it is an active educational and cultural platform. In addition to the mediation of its collections and exhibitions, the MALI has an educational department that trains more than 25,000 students each year in a range of artistic creation skills—visual, musical, and performing arts. Over the years, MALI courses have provided a first exposure to the visual arts for hundreds of thousands of Peruvian children and individuals of all ages.The museum’s mission extends beyond exhibitions and education to include robust programs in research, conservation, and community engagement. Its conservation area ensures the long-term preservation of its vast collections while promoting best practices in art restoration and research in Peru.

Community engagement is central to MALI’s work. Through inclusive programming, partnerships, and public initiatives, the museum fosters diversity and encourages participation from diverse sectors of society. All of these programs contribute to MALI's core mission: preserving local memory and expanding access to and enjoyment of the arts, contributing to reflection on a shared history and the creation of a critical and responsive public sphere.

Through its multifaceted work, MALI continues to be a vital force in advancing the understanding and appreciation of Peruvian and Latin American art, both locally and globally.