In Central America, most of the capitals aren’t exactly the places to be while vacationing. So it might be logical if you didn’t put San José on your to-do list. That said, in case you’re looking for some information about the origins of Costa Rica, or you need a break from the jungle and the surfing, trying to escape the rain, or if you just have an extra day before you fly out again, you can actually have a nice (half)day in the capital too! These are the best places to go to for a shot of culture:
The Gold Museum – Museo de Oro Pre-Colombino / Museo del Banco Central
If you’re only having time to visit one museum, be sure you make it to this one. Even if you don’t have a strong interest in pre-Columbian history, the ancient gold artefacts of this place are quite amazing. The museum building itself is dramatic too: a giant, multilevel bank vault, complete with several massive safe doors. If you like bright museums you might be repulsed by it, but I still considered the space to be designed in an airy and attractive way.
The museum is spread out over three floors, all underground below a public plaza next to the National Theater, el Teatro National. The first floor includes an interesting display on the history of Costa Rican money, but more broadly also about the development of the country itself. The second and third floor down show the history of gold fabrication in the region from pre-Colombian times and also some revolving art exhibits. The wide assortment of pieces are professionally displayed and one is able to get close enough to see even the smallest of details.
The techniques and skills of the ancient craftsmen are amazing, so take you the time to slow down and appreciate the fine craftwork. The museum’s artefacts are well presented and explanations in English are excellent, in comparison to other museums in San José. Moreover, the gift shop has some really nice reproductions as well. And last but not least, the location is ideally set right in the middle of one of the more interesting parts of town. If you have time, take a coffee break afterwards at the next doors National Theater; they have some wonderful pie over there!
Where: Calle 5, between Central and 2nd Ave. Only drawback might be the getting to and from the museum, traffic can be abhorrent, just as with the next two museums. How long: about 2 to 2,5 hours How much: foreign visitors $11,- When: Monday to Sunday 9:30 am to 4:30pm
The Jade Museum – Museo del Jade y la Cultura Precolombina
This very modern facility has about 7000 masterfully carved jade artefacts (according to the museum), videos of how they are created, a well presented history about the life of the people, and a huge ceramic collection. I felt however that the jade artefacts only form a small amount of what’s on display. The museum seeks to blend in the history of jade within the Central and Southern American region. Nonetheless, or because of that, there’s a lot of other stuff to be entertained with.
The museum is spread across five levels with beautifully shining floors. There is a central atrium running up through the center of the building and once you move above the ground floor there are two large rooms to visit at each level. Like with most modern museums there are a lot of interactive elements built into the displays, which make this museum a good place to visit with children. Note however that some of the explanations unfortunately are only available in Spanish, or have an English explanation with context lost for non-Spanish speakers.
All in all the Jade Museum still offers an interesting look at the history of jade and pottery in the region, as well as other historical features of Costa Rica. The craftsmanship of the ancient work presented remains fascinating up to this day.
Where: Calle 13 y 13 bis, Provincia de, Av Central. Next to The Nacional Museum of Costa Rica and a nice market to get your souvenirs How long: about 2 hours How much: foreign visitors $15,- When: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Saturday 9am to 1 pm. Closed Sunday
The Museum of Costa Rican Art – Museo Nacional de Costa Rica
This museum mainly features artists from Costa Rica and it is ideal for visitors of all ages. The building is quite small, and therefore it’s fun to know that this was once the terminal of the previous international airport, before it was moved to Alajuela. Situated in Sabana Park, just minutes from downtown San Jose, this museum is a really lovely way to spend an hour or so before or after exploring the park itself, a very fun thing to do on a Saturday or Sunday.
Inside, the museum contains over 3,000 items that are housed on a permanent basis, as well as special exhibits and events that fill its galleries. The outside area features some nice statues as well. Though you walk through it in a short time, this museum makes for a wonderful early morning or afternoon get away.
Where: Parque Metropolitano de La Sabana
How long: about 1 hour
How much: foreign visitors $5,-
When: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 10 am to 2 pm. Closed Monday
The National Museum of Costa Rica – Museo Nacional de Costa Rica
Now, if you hear ‘national’ you’d immediately think this is the most important museum of the country probably, right? Well, guess again. The Costa Rican National Museum is not the largest in terms of size, nor in size of collection. However, it does have a display that is very carefully thought out in terms of showcasing; the timeline begins with pre-Columbian art, to colonial, industrial, into more recent collections.
The National Museum is located next to the Jade Museum, in the old fort where bullet holes dating back to the revolution of 1948 still remain. The two best things however, are the butterfly garden you walk through as you enter the museum and the observation deck located within the compound, where you can enjoy great views of San José. And because of those two things, a visit to this museum is still very worthwhile.
Where: 17th street, Between Central and 2nd Avenue. Next to the Jade Museum and a nice market How long: about 1,5 hours (if you love butterflies) How much: foreign visitors $7,- When: Tuesday to Saturday 8:30am to 4pm, Sunday 9am to 4pm. Closed Monday
Here’s where to find all of them:
