Casa Urquiaga – MUCEN Trujillo

Casa Urquiaga – MUCEN Trujillo at a glance

The Casa Urquiaga property was assigned to the first mayor, Rodrigo Lozano, in 1535. The Urquiaga family later owned the house for over 170 years. Simón Bolívar stayed here during the independence campaign and organized parts of his military operations from Trujillo in 1824. The Central Reserve Bank of Peru acquired the house in 1972 and converted it into a museum.

The three-courtyard complex combines Baroque, Rococo, and, above all, Neoclassical elements. The exhibitions at MUCEN Trujillo include pre-Columbian ceramics, colonial paintings, republican portraits, coins, banknotes, and historical furniture. The visit provides insight into urban history through the furnishings and the house's changing residents.

Trujillo is located on the north coast of Peru and is the capital of the La Libertad region. The historic center can be reached from Lima by plane or long-distance bus; within the old town, many important sights are close together.

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Why Casa Urquiaga – MUCEN Trujillo is special

The three-courtyard complex combines Baroque, Rococo, and, above all, Neoclassical elements. The exhibitions at MUCEN Trujillo include pre-Columbian ceramics, colonial paintings, republican portraits, coins, banknotes, and historical furniture. The visit provides insight into urban history through the furnishings and the house's changing residents.

The Casa Urquiaga property was assigned to the first mayor, Rodrigo Lozano, in 1535. The Urquiaga family later owned the house for over 170 years. Simón Bolívar stayed here during the independence campaign and organized parts of his military operations from Trujillo in 1824. The Central Reserve Bank of Peru acquired the house in 1972 and converted it into a museum.

Tour and visit

The museum entrance is located directly on the Plaza de Armas at Jirón Francisco Pizarro 446. The house can be combined with the cathedral and the Freedom Monument without a long commute. MUCEN offers organized tours for groups.

The surroundings are part of the historic old town. For multiple stops, it is recommended to plan a joint route starting from the Plaza de Armas, which can be done without extra long-distance travel.

History and features

The Casa Urquiaga property was assigned to the first mayor, Rodrigo Lozano, in 1535. The Urquiaga family later owned the house for over 170 years. Simón Bolívar stayed here during the independence campaign and organized parts of his military operations from Trujillo in 1824. The Central Reserve Bank of Peru acquired the house in 1972 and converted it into a museum.

The three-courtyard complex combines Baroque, Rococo, and, above all, Neoclassical elements. The exhibitions at MUCEN Trujillo include pre-Columbian ceramics, colonial paintings, republican portraits, coins, banknotes, and historical furniture. The visit provides insight into urban history through the furnishings and the house's changing residents.

The museum entrance is located directly on the Plaza de Armas at Jirón Francisco Pizarro 446. The house can be combined with the cathedral and the Freedom Monument without a long commute. MUCEN offers organized tours for groups.

Admission and visit

MUCEN: Free admission; special offers may require registration. The official MUCEN website lists Monday to Saturday, 09:15 to 17:00. Participation in special tours may be limited; dates and registration are announced via the museum calendar.

The stated rates and access requirements are subject to change. For paid services, current prices should be confirmed directly with the operator before the visit.

Opening hours and best time to visit

Monday to Saturday, 09:15–17:00 (MUCEN information). The official MUCEN website lists Monday to Saturday, 09:15 to 17:00. Participation in special tours may be limited; dates and registration are announced via the museum calendar.

The center of Trujillo is only about 34 meters above sea level. PROMPERÚ reports temperatures between approximately 19 and 28 degrees Celsius for this destination; sun protection is advisable, especially for longer city walks.

Current visit tips

The official MUCEN website lists Monday to Saturday, 09:15 to 17:00. Participation in special tours may be limited; dates and registration are announced via the museum calendar.

Personal belongings should be kept monitored in the busy city center. For churches, museums, and private buildings, house rules, photography restrictions, and ongoing events must be observed.

How demanding is the visit?

The visit is generally physically easy. Paths in the center are short but may include uneven sidewalks, curbs, or stairs at historical buildings.

For those with limited mobility, it is recommended to check the accessibility of the respective interiors directly with the operator in advance.

What should you bring?

Comfortable shoes, drinking water, a sun hat, and sun protection are recommended for city walking. A camera is great for the historical facades; however, photography bans may apply inside.

For museums with admission fees, it is advisable to have some cash in Soles. Opening hours and short-notice changes can be checked on-site on the day of your visit.