House of Peruvian Literature
HOUSE OF PERUVIAN LITERATURE
“The Station of Literature”
In the historic center of Lima, between the Government Palace and the Cordano bar, stands a beautiful building built on the site of the former Desamparados Station.
History
The House of Literature was initially known as a church and later became a train station (Lima-Huancayo route). Over the years, it became a literary cultural center and is currently owned by the Peruvian Ministry of Education.
It is an important center as a meeting point for national and international writers, readers, and editors. During its years of operation, it has housed more than 20,000 books.
Important fact:
One of its columns features a sculpture in homage to Ernesto Malinowski, who built the Central Railway of Peru between 1871 and 1876.
The writer Mario Vargas Llosa calls this place the “House of Dreams.”
Location
The House of Literature is located at Jr. Ancash 207, two blocks from the Cathedral Basilica in Lima’s Historic Center, and the former Desamparados Station.
When was the House of Peruvian Literature created?
The House of Peruvian Literature was created on October 20, 2009, and its activities began with the inauguration by former President Alan García Pérez.
Who built the House of Literature?
The materials for its construction were imported from England (stained glass, clock), and the cedar doors were imported from the United States. It was rebuilt in 1912 by architect Rafael Marquina in the former Desamparados Station. The total area of the building is 3,000 square meters.
Exhibition Halls:
The House of Peruvian Literature features 16 galleries, 13 of which are permanent and 3 are temporary. These galleries showcase the life and work of Peruvian writers from the 19th to the 20th century.
Programs
Currently offering 4 programs:
The Tangled Quipu
Baby Library
Grandparents Storytellers
Literary Map
Hours and Admission Fee
The House of Peruvian Literature is open to the general public Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission to the house is free.
Services within the House of Peruvian Literature
Library Services and Resources
Permanent exhibitions: The Intensity and Height of Peruvian Literature.
International congresses, lectures, and discussions.
Cota Carvallo Children’s Literature Room
Children’s Boulevard: storytelling, children’s book readings, and theater.
Literary Café.
Mario Vargas Llosa Library.
Authors’ Boulevard.
Reading Boulevard (writers and publishers)
The CASLIT Auditorium (writers and the public)
Auditorium for poets, storytellers, critics, essayists, and playwrights (Tuesday – Sunday)
