Costa Rica's museums are many and varied, from the Pre-Columbian art displays in the Gold Museum to the Children's Museum just north of San Jose. Most are located in downtown San Jose, and are easy walking distance from the Plaza de la Cultura.
Children's Museum
Located in downtown San José, this museum
is unlike any other in Central America. At
one time an old military prison, this complex
was converted into an interactive and educational
experience for its children. Costa Rica was
sending the message that the future of this
tiny country was not going to be that of bloodshed
and strife. Instead, its future would be the
education and care of its children.
Gold Museum
The Gold museum, in downtown San José, is
easily the country's best with thousands of
different examples of Pre-Colombian gold artifacts.
The pieces in the collection date from 500
BE to 1600 AD, when the new world was discovered
by Christopher Columbus an the artifacts range
from simple round earrings to intricately
worked representations of local animals. Tastefully
exhibited with great lighting and clear concise
descriptions, the museum opens a window into
the past and into lives of those indigenous
groups that lived in Costa Rica.
Joyas del Tropico Museum
Located in Santo Domingo de Heredia, 100 meters
east of the cementery, this natural history
museum exhibits insects from tropical rainforests
throughout the world. Open Tuesday-Sunday
and requires a $5.00 fee for tourists/foreigners.
National Museum
A former fortress from the revolution of 1948,
this renovated yellow building contains exhibits
on Pre-Columbian art, religious art, and the
history of Costa Rica. In addition, the garden
courtyard offers visitors a pleasant view
of the city of San José. Located on Calle
17, between Avenidas Central and 2, this museum
is open from Tuesday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30
p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. There is
a 200 colones entrance fee, children under
10 years of age receive free admision.
Museum of Costa Rican Art
Located on the eastern end of Sabana Park,
this museum exhibits a permanent collection
of Costa Rica's most highly recognized artistic
achievements. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00
a.m.-5:00 p.m., there is a 400 colones fee,
students enter for 200 colones.
Serpentarium (Snake Exhibit)
Located in downtown San José, just across
from the casino called Colonial (Avenida 1
between Calles 9 & 11). This exhibit contains
an exotic collection of tropical reptiles
and amphibians, including venomous snakes
from Costa Rica, deadly Cobras from Asia and
Africa, Giant Pythons, as well as the extraordinary
colors of tropical lizards and poison dart
frogs. Open everyday from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
(Monday-Friday) and 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Saturday-Sunday).
The entrance fee is 500 colones for locals
and 1000 colones for foreigners. Tel: 255-4210
/ Fax: 233-5520.
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