Getty and Peru’s culture authorities are preparing structural strengthening and collection care at Rondocan’s 17th-century church in the Cusco region. More than 300 cultural objects share the adobe building with an active local congregation. Site work is planned for 2027, when a Bernardo Bitti painting is also scheduled to travel to Getty for treatment.
Getty, the US arts and conservation institution, is joining Peru’s Ministry of Culture to protect the Church of Santo Tomás de Aquino in Rondocan, in Peru’s Cusco region. The 17th-century church faces risks from past earthquakes and other damage. Its adobe structure shelters more than 300 cultural objects and continues to serve the local Andean community.[1], [2]
Construction documents for seismic strengthening have been approved, with work on site planned for 2027. The ministry’s Cusco regional office will fund and carry out construction. Getty will help monitor progress in subsequent years. Its methods combine structural analysis with materials, skills and equipment available locally, alongside continuing maintenance.[1]
Paintings, gilded wooden altarpieces, polychrome sculptures and church textiles are among the collection. Some objects remain in ceremonial use. An eight-painting series by Bernardo Bitti was probably made in Cusco between 1595 and 1599. One of those works, La Oración en el huerto, is scheduled to travel to Getty in 2027 for scientific study and conservation.[1]
Conservation specialist Stéphanie Auffret says there is no evidence of earlier restoration of the collection. Community members who have cared for the church across generations are participating in the development of its conservation methods.[1]
