San Jose, Costa Rica Museums

San Jose, Costa Rica is an extraordinary cultural destination, where history, art, music, archeology, nature and discovery come alive in Costa Rica's impressive museums. From the largest collections of pre-Columbian art and gold to the country's beautiful contemporary art, the museums of San Jose, Costa Rica open your heart to the beauty, history and diversity of Costa Rica's culture, spirit and people.

National Museum -

Housed in a former military fortress from the Civil War of 1948, the Costa Rica National Museum explores Costa Rica's history, natural history and archeology and is acclaimed for its pre-Columbian artifacts. The museum exhibits Costa Rican history and culture from pre-Columbian times to the present, as well as religious art. In the pre-Columbian rooms, you'll discover the lifestyle of ancient cultures from 12,000 years B.C. up to the arrival of the Spaniards, including a 2,500-year-old jade carving. A vault houses pre-Columbian gold jewelry and figurines. The archaeological room presents fascinating objects unearthed at Costa Rica's archaeological sites, including Indian artifacts and pottery made of stone and clay, and ornate grinding stones. The Colonial Room displays artifacts and art from the Spanish conquest. Enjoy views of San Jose and Costa Rica's mysterious stone spheres in the Spanish-style courtyard. Visit www.museocostarica.go.cr.

Gold Museum (Museos de Oro) -

Located under the Plaza de la Cultura, in downtown San Jose, the Gold Museum has a spectacular collection of gold objects that reflect the culture and gold working techniques of Pre-Columbian peoples of Costa Rica. The most valuable Pre-Columbian gold collection in the world, the exhibit showcases 1,600 pieces of Pre-Columbian gold work from 500 AD to 1500 AD, interpreting the social and cultural evolution of Pre-Columbian cultures and the relationship of the gold to daily life. The underground building that houses the exhibit creates a mysterious backdrop for the glittering gold artifacts. The Temporary Exhibition Galleries showcase dynamic visual arts from international and national artists. Visit www.museosdelbancocentral.org/content/articles/5/1/General-Information/Page1.html

Jade Museum -

Housed in the National Insurance Company building in downtown San Jose, Costa Rica's Jade Museum displays an abundance of centuries-old artifacts, art and the world's largest collection of Pre-Columbian jade. The valuable collection has religious and historical significance for the Indian population in Costa Rica. With anthropological and archaeological themes, the beautiful museum also features excellent examples of indigenous craftsmanship in jade, gold, stone, and ceramics, and explain their significance throughout Costa Rican history. With peaceful, dimly-lit halls and gorgeous views of the city and mountains, the Jade Museum is a place of calm
and reflection.

Costa Rican Art Museum -

Housed in a beautiful building in La Sabana Park Museo de Arte Costarricense features gorgeous architecture and a collection of modern art by celebrated Costa Rican artists. El MAC features a diverse permanent collection and changing exhibitions that showcase the beautiful art and styles of Costa Rican painters and sculptors. Preserving the arts heritage of Costa Rica, the museum's national collection includes sculptures, paintings, prints and woodcarvings by artists such as Francisco Zuñiga, José Sancho, Jorge Jiménez Deredia, and Max Jiménez. Enjoy exhibitions and concerts in the Gold Room, or stroll the lovely sculpture garden. Visit www.musarco.go.cr

Museum of Contemporary Art & Design -

Museo de arte Contemporaneo presents 900 works of contemporary art and design by Costa Rican and Central American artists. Located in the old National Liquor factory, the museum offers an industrial and artistic environment for its outstanding exhibits of painting, etching, sculpture, photography, installations, and video art. The Museum also features impressive international exhibits, including retrospectives by Mexican painter José Cuevas and Ecuadorian painter Oswaldo Guayasamín. The museum has four exhibition rooms with changing art, a dance and theater auditorium, and the Pila de la Melaza, an open-air space for performances and events. Exhibits convey aesthetic, cultural, and social issues that affect Central America and the world. Visit www.madc.ac.cr

Children's Museum -

Located at the Centro Costarricense de la Ciencia y la Cultura complex in San José, Costa Rica, the Museo de los Niños features interactive displays that inspire, entertain and educate young minds. Through hands-on play exhibits, children discover astronomy and the natural planet, science, ecology, human life and communications. Experience a simulated earthquake and make music by dancing across the floor. The museum also offers limited shows of "serious" art and also the home of the National Auditorium. This Costa Rica museum is the perfect place for family fun and adventure. Visit www.museocr.com.

La Salle Natural Science Museum -

Located in La Sabana Park at the University of Costa Rica, La Salle Natural Science Museum features over 20,000 natural specimens from around the world. Nature lovers enjoy the taxidermy collection of animals and the preserved fish and reptile exhibit. The small university museum also contains a large collection of Central and South American insects, including beautiful butterflies.