Costa Rica Museums

Costa Rica is home not only to several species of flora and fauna, but also several interesting museums that showcase the country’s rich history and culture.

 

Here are some of the most notable museums in Costa Rica that you can visit during your free time.

National Museum of Costa Rica (Museo Nacional de Costa Rica)

This is the oldest museum in the country and housed in the historic Cuartel Bellavista building, which holds great significance as the place where former President Figueres made the historic decision to abolish the army in 1948. Situated in San Jose, this museum is home to a diverse array of exhibits that showcase Costa Rican history, archaeology, and culture. It is considered one of the most significant museums in the country.

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Saturday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Rates

Foreigners: 11 USD

Contacts

Telephone: +506 2211-5700

Email: info@museocostarica.go.cr

Website: www.museocostarica.go.cr

Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños)

Located in San Jose, this museum is designed specifically for children. It is the first interactive museum in Central America with more than 40 rooms, each displaying its own theme, including the universe, history, dinosaurs, music, transport and several other topics.


The museum offers special services for schools and colleges such as educational workshops, camps, artistic displays and food service.

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Rates

Children: ¢2,500 (around 5 USD)

Children over 15: ¢3,000 (around 6 USD)

Contacts

Telephone: +506 2258-4929

WhatsApp: +506 7003-7070

Email:  info@museocr.org

Website: museo.museocr.org

Jade Museum (Museo del Jade)

Also situated in San Jose, the Jade Museum is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of Costa Rica’s pre-Columbian jade artifacts. Within its walls, it houses an impressive collection of approximately 7,000 pieces from the period, including jade, ceramic, stone, and various other materials. The museum also boasts an art and ethnography collection, adding to its diverse range of exhibits.

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Rates

Adults: 16 USD

Students with ID: 5 USD

Children from 6 to 12 years old: 2 USD

Children under 5: Free

Contacts

Telephone: +506 2521-6610

WhatsApp: +506 8792-4700

Email: museodeljade@ins-cr.com

Website: museodeljade.grupoins.com

National Museum of Costa Rican Art (Museo de Arte Costarricense)

Located in La Sabana San Jose, the National Museum of Costa Rican Art is a prominent cultural institution in the country. Here, you will find a great many artistic works by Costa Rican artists. The museum exhibits paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other visual art forms, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of Costa Rican art throughout several different periods.

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Rates

Free entry

Contacts

Telephone: +506 2459-3545

Email: comunicacion@mac.go.cr

Website: www.mac.go.cr

Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)

The Gold Museum showcases an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold objects, including intricate jewelry, ceremonial items, and figurines. As you walk around the museum, you are encouraged to ponder a multitude of historical settings, ranging from the arrival of the earliest settlers to the present-day reality of the indigenous peoples who are the descendants of the early inhabitants in what is now Costa Rica.

Opening Hours

Monday – Sunday: 9:15 am – 5:00 pm

Rates

Foreigners: 16 USD (¢9,680)

Foreign students: 12 USD (¢7,260)

Contacts

Telephone: +506 2243-4216

Email: info@museosdelbancocentral.org

Website: boleteria.museosdelbancocentral.org

Museum of Popular Culture

Located in Heredia, the Museum of Popular Culture focuses on contemporary traditions, delving into the research, recovery, preservation, and dissemination of present-day Costa Rican popular culture in the Central Valley. Housed within a traditional building, it serves as a platform for showcasing and sharing the vibrant traditions that thrive in the region.


The museum is open on weekends, and provides a great opportunity for children, teenagers and adults to engage in Costa Rican culture. High school and college students can also partake in a “Learning by Doing” workshop.

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 8 am – 4 pm

Saturday: 8 am – 3 pm

Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm

Rates

Around 4 USD

Contacts

Telephone: +506 2277-3834

These are just a few examples of the museums you can explore in Costa Rica, each offering its own unique perspective on the country’s history, art, and culture, providing visitors with an enriching experience.

 

Get in touch if you want to find out more specific information about any of these museums.

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