Costa Rica Museums

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM

The old General Army Quarters, known as Bellavista Fortress, was built between 1916 and 1930 on a hill overlooking San Jose. In 1949, after the abolition of the army, this building was converted into the National Museum for the fundamental purpose of promoting the study, conservation and exhibition of the country’s flora and fauna. Currently, the main theme is archeology, national history and natural history. It is located on Calle 17, between Central and Second Avenues. It is open to the public between Tuesday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is one place that every visitor who is interested in learning more about the culture and history of Costa Rica should visit.

THE JADE MUSEUM

This museum holds a collection of Pre-Columbian gold, ceramic, jade and stone art. It is the only museum dedicated to the exhibition of indigenous jade handicrafts on the American continent, and is an ideal place for those who want to silently contemplate the passage of history as carved by ancient hands in stones of exquisite beauty. This museum is on the first floor of the National Insurance Institute, on the north side of Parque España. It is open to the public from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

THE GOLD MUSEUM

The Gold Museum exhibits one of the most valuable collections of indigenous gold artifacts in the world. It is located in the Plaza de la Cultura on the north side of the National Theatre, in a subterranean building connected to the information office of the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism.

This museum is operated by the Costa Rican Central Bank and the enchantment of its ancient pieces contrast with the modern architecture, which was built beneath street level. Its more than 1600 artifacts give testimony to the intimate, spiritual relationship the indigenous had with the natural environment, something that is still felt by ticos, especially in rural areas.

Also, you can observe the first Costa Rican money used called “Medio Escudo” in a small Coin Museum that presents the history of coins and currency in Costa Rica. In regard to the indigenous culture, in addition to the gold artifacts, visitors can see an original tomb discovered in 1950 in a banana plantation, and a space, in the original design, where the tribal sukia (medicine man) cured his patients.

The museum is located on Central Avenue and Calle 5 and is open to the public between Tuesday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

The original structure that houses this museum was built in 1910 as a military prison, but it has been renovated and designed as a modern museum, especially for the boys and girls of Costa Rica. There are more than 50 exhibition rooms, most of which are interactive – no “do not touch” signs here. Regular cultural and scientific activities are held here that have a great impact on society. The decision to convert the old prison into an educational experience for children sends the message that the dark side of humanity has been changed into a place of beauty and harmony. It is one of the most vital places today in the capital city where adults and children can learn while having a good time.

The Children’s Museum is located in the National Center of Arts and Sciences, where there are several art galleries and the National Auditorium. It is 800 meters north of the Central Bank in San Jose, and is open to the public between Tuesday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

THE MUSEUM OF COSTA RICAN ART

This structure was completed in 1940 and originally housed San Jose’s first international airport terminal until about 1970. On permanent display is the most representative collection of nationally produced art from the end of 19th century to the present; temporary exhibitions are hosted also. The Gold Room is on the second floor of the building, where Costa Rican history between the Amerindian periods through 1940 is preserved on a wooden mural. Concerts and recitals are occasionally held in this lovely room.

The Art Museum is located on the east side of La Sabana Metropolitan Park at the end of Paseo Colon. It is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

THE MUSEUM OF COSTA RICAN STAMPS AND COINS

This museum is located in the main Post Office building in downtown San Jose just a few blocks west of the National Theatre. It exhibits a collection of the postage stamps produced in Costa Rica and also display a recreation of an office from the last century, with equipment utilized by the country’s first communication office.

THE INSECT MUSEUM OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COSTA RICA

If insects could talk they would tell many stories about life on this planet. But, just to calm those who visit this museum, all the insects have been preserved and mounted for display; fortunately, however, they still tell stories. This is one of the largest displays of insects in the country and the astonishment it causes is comparable only to the admiration one feels for the wonders of nature. After visiting the museum, any walk through the national forests will definitely be more entertaining. The museum is housed in the basement of the School of Music at the University of Costa Rica, located in San Pedro. This is the main campus of the university, where there is an active student life day and night.

LA SALLE NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM

What began as a small science project at La Salle High School became a prominent ornithology, entomology, malacology (study of mollusks) collection with the passing of time. Approximately 18,000 of the most attractive specimens are exhibited. The display of mammals, fish, reptiles, shells and other specimens occupy four rooms, and there is also an archeological display. The museum is located on the southeast side of La Sabana Metropolitan Park and is open to the public between Monday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MUSEUM OF POPULAR CULTURE

The museum, created in 1944, is located in Santa Lucia de Barva, Heredia, in a restored home built in the 1880s by the parents of former president Alfredo Gonzalez Flores (1877-1962) who served as president from 1914 to 1917. Its main purpose is to publicly demonstrate and conserve Costa Rican traditions and the town’s particular identity. This town, at the floor of Barva Volcano, is a unique site where popular culture survives by the conscious decision of its residents. It is the cradle of a large number of artists, among which are sculptors of famous works. In addition, the museum shows visitors the construction methods of the colonial houses made with adobe and mud, and has been declared a National Heritage Site. It is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART AND DESIGN

The Ministry of Culture developed this project as the first space specifically destined for the dissemination, research and reflection about national and international contemporary art in its diverse manifestations. Since 1994, the museum has held more than fifty exhibitions, produced by national and international curators, and has organized important rotating and itinerant exhibits, including the first Central American Contemporary Art Exhibit. It is located in the National Cultural Center (CENAC), a complex of buildings that were remodeled from the installations of the old National Liquor Factory, which was one of the oldest buildings in the country, built in 1853. This complex now houses several organizations, among which are: the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; Fanal Theatre; the 1887 Theatre, which is dedicated to dance; the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design; the stone entrance way and the sundial. The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design is open to the public between Tuesday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

THE JOAQUIN GARCIA MONGE MUSEUM

This museum is actually a large 19th century house constructed from adobe and bamboo that is tied together with liana rope; it has colonial style windows and hand-forged nails hold the wood together. There are a number of rooms distributed for use as required by the geographical and historical context of the period when Joaquin Garcia Monge, a famous Costa Rican writer, lived (1881-1958).