In 2012 the world renowned fashion photographer, Mario Testino, opened the MATE (Museo Mario Testino) foundation and cultural center in the Barranco district of Lima, Peru. Born and raised in Lima, Testino opened MATE in order to support Peruvian artists as well as to elevate Peru’s art, culture and heritage onto a world stage. The cultural center exhibits a wide array of Peruvian contemporary artists through photography, painting and video exhibitions. On permanent display are Testino’s exhibitions on high fashion photography as well as his cutting edge exhibition of traditional Inca dress and traditional Inca costume ensembles. The foundation is housed in a renovated colonial style 19th century mansion. The Barranco neighborhood and MATE are both important cultural landmarks in Lima.
