The Andrés del Castillo Museum houses the largest collection of crystallized minerals in South America.
Several international delegations visit the Andres del Castillo Minerals Museum located in the historical center of Lima. Those delegations participate in the GEOMET 2016, 2nd International Congress on Mining, organized by The Chamber of Mines of Peru at the Great Theater (Gran Auditorio) of the National University of Engineering (UNI).
Experts and students from about 15 Latin American and European countries were welcomed by Ana Mujica, Chief of the Museum. Ana Mujica guided them through the rooms explaining how important each collection was not only to Peru but the whole region and the world.
Mujica expressed, “This museum is a philanthropic act from the Engineer Guido del Castillo, who is not only a mining pioneer in our country, but also a transmitter of the Peruvian culture.”
Amongst the treasures the GEOMET international delegations could appreciate were the largest collection of crystallized minerals in South America, along with one of the widest-ranging collection of ceramics and textiles from the Chancay culture.
Every day, the museum exhibits utensils, tools, and clothing used by Peruvians before the Incas.
César Gallardo, CEO of The Chamber of Mines of Peru, also participated in the guided visit and expressed the importance of connecting culture with mining activities.
Gallardo said, “It is vital to establish a permanent relationship between mining and cultural events, just like Guido del Castillo did with this marvelous Minerals Museum. The Chamber of Mines also want to promote that. For that reason, the Chamber of Mines have started the Art Foundation as a way to support and promote our cultural treasures and the work of new experts.”
The GEOMET international delegations also visited the main lookout in the city: Cerro San Cristóbal, the Main Square, and the Cathedral of Lima. They also enjoyed some criollo dishes together with the CEO of The Chamber of Mines of Peru at Sheraton Hotel.
