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Museum · Chiclayo, Lambayeque
Museo Nacional Sicán
The Ferreñafe museum dedicated to the Sicán or Lambayeque culture, with the reconstruction of the tomb of the Lord of Sicán, found in Batán Grande, funerary gold masks and tumis, the ceremonial knives.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museo Nacional Sicán
The Museo Nacional Sicán is located at the north exit of Ferreñafe, about 20 km northeast of Chiclayo. It opened in 2001 with support from the government of Japan and is dedicated to the Sicán culture, also called Lambayeque, which flourished in the region between 700 and 1300, before being dominated by the Chimú.
The main exhibition revolves around the tomb of the Lord of Sicán, found in Huaca Loro in the Batán Grande complex, now inside the Bosque de Pómac. The ruler was buried upside down, wearing a gold mask and accompanied by a large number of metal pieces, beads and shells. The museum reconstructs the tomb and displays the excavations.
The galleries also cover Sicán metallurgy, known for funerary masks with elongated eyes and for tumis — ceremonial knives with semicircular blades — as well as pottery, textiles and trade with other regions.
The visit pairs well with the Bosque de Pómac and with Túcume on the same day.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours.
Best time
Late morning or in the afternoon, between Túcume and Pómac. The museum usually closes one day a week; check opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It's at the north exit of Ferreñafe, about 20 km from Chiclayo, roughly a 30-minute taxi ride. There are shared vans from Chiclayo to Ferreñafe.
Tip
Visit the museum after the Bosque de Pómac: the objects make more sense after seeing the pyramids of Batán Grande.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museo Nacional Sicán
What is the Sicán culture?
A culture of Peru's northern coast, also called Lambayeque, that flourished between 700 and 1300 and was known for its gold metallurgy.
Who was the Lord of Sicán?
A Sicán ruler buried at Huaca Loro, in Batán Grande, with a gold mask and many metal objects.
What is a tumi?
A ceremonial knife with a semicircular blade, typical of Sicán metallurgy.
Is it far from Chiclayo?
About 20 km away, in Ferreñafe, or about a 30-minute taxi ride.