If you’ve ever dreamed of jetting off to Peru to explore ancient temples and misty mountain ruins, your ticket to adventure is ready—no passport required. We visited the Australian Museum’s captivating exhibition, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, and it’s an absolute must-see. This dazzling display of ancient treasures and jaw-dropping artefacts, plus an impressive virtual reality experience, will leave you glowing like an ancient Peruvian relic. Read on for our review and prepare to be racing to grab your tickets.
We began our visit with the star attraction—the virtual reality (VR) experience. We slipped on a headset and headphones, and suddenly we weren’t in Sydney anymore. Led by our ancient guide, we climbed the stone terraces and luscious greenery of Machu Picchu, perched high in the Andes Mountains. The 360-degree views of the 15th-century Inca citadel were so realistic we caught ourselves reaching out to touch the ancient stone walls. Surrounded by towering peaks and swirling mist, we could’ve sworn we felt a phantom breeze! The adventure was thrilling (but be warned, it might just be a little nerve-wracking if heights aren’t your thing). This immersive element transforms the exhibition into something truly extraordinary. Even if you’ve read about Machu Picchu a hundred times, this brings the legendary site to life in a way that words and photos simply can’t.
From the moment we stepped into the main exhibition we were pulled into a world of history and opulence. The dim lighting and glittering gold displays create an air of wonder, and with over 170 artefacts on show, every corner offers something new to marvel at. Ornate necklaces, ceremonial masks, and impossibly intricate figurines showcase just how advanced and creative these ancient civilisations were. Spoiler: they were absolutely crushing the jewellery game. The shimmering headdresses that once adorned royalty are a feast for the eyes! It was impossible not to feel a little starstruck by the craftsmanship on display.
What we loved about this experience was that the exhibits don’t just display artefacts—they tell stories that span more than 3,000 years. Through the detailed plaques, video installations, and narratives written on the walls, we learned about how the ancient Peruvian civilisations were pioneers of agriculture, engineering, and art. We also lost ourselves in the information about the rituals, ceremonies and beliefs that bound the communities with their ancestors and the gods.
Whether you’re looking to broaden your historical knowledge, experience the wonders of virtual travel, or simply enjoy a day of discovery, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is a knockout. It’s the kind of exhibition that leaves you buzzing with excitement and casually Googling flights to South America. Plus, the Australian Museum has gone all out to make this an experience. The VR, the stunning artefacts, and the storytelling make it one of the most intriguing exhibitions we’ve been to yet. Gather your friends and family and purchase your tickets here to check out the wonders yourself.
Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru