National Museum of Costa Rica
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Today, we did a little more extensive tour of San Jose. This Museum is a treasure! The National Museum of Costa Rica invites you to learn about the cultural and natural history of Costa Ricans, from pre-Columbian times to the present. Its exhibition rooms show the varied collections in the fields of national history, archeology and natural history, which for 135 years has been the oldest in the country. It holds temporary exhibitions on artistic and cultural themes and has a varied agenda of activities throughout the year. The Museum is located in an emblematic building, declared Historical Architectural Heritage and symbol of the abolition of the army in Costa Rica. According to the United Nations, Costa Rica had an estimated population of 5,153,957 people as of 2021. White and Mestizos make up 83.4% of the population, 7% are black people (including mixed race), 2.4% Amerindians, 0.2% Chinese and 7% other/none. In 2010, just under 3% of the population was of African descent. These are called Afro-Costa Ricans or West Indians and are English-speaking descendants of 19th-century black Jamaican immigrant workers. Another 1% is composed of those of Chinese origin, and less than 1% are West Asian, mainly of Lebanese descent but also Palestinians. The 2011 Census provided the following data: whites and mestizos make up 83.4% of the population, 7% are black people (including mixed race), 2.4% Amerindians, 0.2% Chinese, and 7% other/none. There is also a community of North American retirees from the United States and Canada, followed by fairly large numbers of European Union expatriates (chiefly Scandinavians and from Germany) come to retire as well, and Australians. Immigration to Costa Rica made up 9% of the population in 2012. This included permanent settlers as well as migrants who were hoping to reach the U.S. In 2015, there were some 420,000 immigrants in Costa Rica and the number of asylum seekers (mostly from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua) rose to more than 110,000. An estimated 10% of the Costa Rican population in 2014 was made up of Nicaraguans. The indigenous population today numbers about 60,000 (just over 1% of the population), with some Miskito and Garifuna (a population of mixed African and Carib Amerindian descent) living in the coastal regions. Costa Rica's emigration is the smallest in the Caribbean Basin and is among the smallest in the Americas. By 2015 about just 133,185 (2.77%) of the country's people live in another country as immigrants. The main destination countries are the United States (85,924), Nicaragua (10,772), Panama (7,760), Canada (5,039), Spain (3,339), Mexico (2,464), Germany (1,891), Italy (1,508), Guatemala (1,162) and Venezuela (1,127).
John Marsh Class Piano IIJohn Marsh Class Piano II
00
I do not recommend this museum unless you are very interested in Costa Rican history or 19th Century or older military fortification. Although it is nominally wheelchair accessible, you are going to want an electric chair or someone very strong to push you up and down somewhat steep zig zag ramps. If you walk with a cane or have other difficult walking, I would absolutely skip, even if you're very interested. There is only one way up and into the museum and only one way back out (the same way). You cannot skip going through certain rooms, for example, if you only want to get to the pre-colombian collection. And I can tell you that collection is much less impressive than the one next door in the Jade Museum, which I recommend 1000%. There is, however, a large and impressive butterfly garden, well curated in Spanish and English. It is the first exhibit space you enter and which you must pass through as you go up and into the museum. I spent over an hour in the garden, maybe 90 minutes even, taking pictures and looking for different species. The garden is much larger and more beautiful than the research garden on the UCR campus, which is only available via an Oropopo Tour or by appointment if you are a student or scholar. There are lockers, restrooms. No cafeteria or food or drink available. Be sure you know where the entrance is. Our taxi dropped us 2+ blocks from the only entrance. And because we did not know, we walked all the way up and around the large military fort situated on a hill. Check out the website to see part of the collection, and if you're on the fence or short on time, I would absolutely skip it. If you do go, allow a minimum of 2-3 hours to traverse the single route in, through, and back out.
MICHAEL LEEMICHAEL LEE
20
Nice museum. Lay out is a little confusing, some things are closed. I was here oct 2 2022. -The entrance is by the glass sphere, pay at the desk. -You enter the same way you exit. You pass through the butter fly room in and out. I only saw 2 blue butterflies flying around, and some brown ones sleeping on branches. There is also some cocoons on string near the theater entance. (Green on the map picture) -The theater was closed. -Then you get to a court yard that is surrounded by multiple exhibits. -The blue on the map was the modern art display, it didnt have many pieces, but some were interesting. -The red on the map is the stone art room, it has many different sculptures and tables. -There is the old commanders room/house in the north east corrner, along with a bird section. -Yellow on the map is the history of costa rica section, and gives the history from before country to modern times. Lots of interesting things. -The court yard is nice and has some large stone spheres. -Exit back down the butterfly room. -The nature section was closed, it is only for schools, and the jail section was closed off. Overall it was a nice tour, not too long, but lots of interesting things. Like this review below if the info helps
adam clareadam clare
00
For such a big building, I felt it should have had more on exhibit. One wing was closed. When I visited earlier, it only contained photographs. The butterfly enclosure, which provides the entrance way to the rest of the museum is interesting and full of butterflies. The giant hand-hewn granite spheres in the courtyard are simply situated there with no explanation of their origin (I looked this up later--they are the handiwork of the extinct people known as the Diquis, but their use is unknown). Great collection of pre-Columbian stone carvings, including metates, in one wing and then exhibits regarding early Spanish contact in an adjoining wing. The front end houses a collection of 19th and 20th century artifacts, including an old black and white television with a five minute loop showing "Mr. Ed" (in Spanish) and a variety of old commercials from the 1960s. Nothing interactive for kids or adults which is a pity. The museum could do much more with an innovative and creative curator and staff.
Michael ZdanovichMichael Zdanovich
00
El Museo Nacional de Costa Rica es una joya del patrimonio cultural del país. En este lugar se conservan importantes muestras de la historia, la cultura y la naturaleza de Costa Rica. Puedo afirmar que la exposición permanente es de las mejores de América Latina, y el edificio en sí es un ejemplo excepcional de arquitectura y diseño museográfico. La colección incluye objetos de la época precolombina, la época colonial y la época moderna. Se pueden admirar joyas de oro, cerámica, piedra y textiles, entre otros materiales. También hay exhibiciones de fauna y flora que ilustran la biodiversidad del país. Además, se realizan exposiciones temporales de gran calidad. El edificio del museo es un ejemplo de arquitectura moderna, diseñado para integrarse armoniosamente con el paisaje. Sus espacios abiertos y su amplia iluminación natural crean un ambiente agradable para la contemplación y el estudio. La grama y jardines que rodean el museo son impresionantes, lo que hace que la visita sea una experiencia agradable y memorable. En resumen, el Museo Nacional de Costa Rica es un lugar imperdible para aquellos que quieran conocer más sobre la cultura y la historia de este país. Si tuviera que dar una valoración, le daría cinco estrellas sin dudarlo. Reseña en inglés: The National Museum of Costa Rica is a gem of the country's cultural heritage. This place preserves important samples of Costa Rica's history, culture, and nature. I can say that the permanent exhibition is one of the best in Latin America, and the building itself is an exceptional example of museum architecture and design. The collection includes objects from the pre-Columbian, colonial, and modern periods. You can admire gold jewelry, ceramics, stone carvings, and textiles, among other materials. There are also exhibits of fauna and flora that illustrate the country's biodiversity. In addition, high-quality temporary exhibitions are regularly held. The museum's building is a modern architectural masterpiece, designed to integrate harmoniously with the landscape. Its open spaces and ample natural lighting create a pleasant environment for contemplation and study. The grass and gardens that surround the museum are impressive, making the visit a pleasant and memorable experience. In summary, the National Museum of Costa Rica is a must-visit place for those who want to learn more about the culture and history of this country. If I had to give a rating, I would give it five stars without hesitation.
Jason Daniel SolísJason Daniel Solís
30
Children under 12 are free, yay! And adults cost $11 usd. Definitely worth the price as this is a great museum to visit in the heart of San Jose. The history of the museum itself is fascinating, the rustic walls with bullet holes still visible. There are a lot of other sites to see within walking distance. There are different sections of the museum including a butterfly atrium with huge butterflies and beautiful plants. Rooms with large photographs of the building in days past and how it came to be a museum. The history of the army and country itself. An art exhibit. Cool old benches you can sit down and enjoy your lunch surrounded by a beautiful garden and huge stone spheres. The view from the top of the building is breath taking and you can see the mountains and town around you.
Allison Brown-ElmontAllison Brown-Elmont
00
Nearby Attractions Of National Museum of Costa Rica
Parque Central de San José
Plaza de la Cultura
Parque de las Garantías Sociales (Parque de la Caja)
National Theater of Costa Rica
Parque Nacional
Antigua Aduana
Teatro Popular Melico Salazar
Museo del Jade
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Metropolitan Cathedral of San José
Parque Central de San José
4.1
(8.1K)Click for details
Plaza de la Cultura
4.4
(6.5K)Click for details
Parque de las Garantías Sociales (Parque de la Caja)
4.1
(3K)Click for details
National Theater of Costa Rica
4.8
(2.8K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of National Museum of Costa Rica
La Esquina de Buenos Aires
Agüizotes Gastro Pub
Costa Rica Beer Factory
Restaurante Wong's 皇朝
Restaurante Nuestra Tierra
Casa China Restaurant
Tin Jo Restaurant
Jardín de Lolita
Spoon • Central SJO (Avenida Central)
Bar y Restaurante Antik
La Esquina de Buenos Aires
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Agüizotes Gastro Pub
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Costa Rica Beer Factory
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Restaurante Wong's 皇朝
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Address
Cuesta de Moras, Av. Central, San José, Bella Vista, 10101, Costa Rica
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Phone
+506 2211 5700
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Website
museocostarica.go.cr
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Overview
4.7
(3.6K reviews)
Ratings & Description
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Description
The Museo Nacional de Costa Rica is the national museum of Costa Rica, located in the capital of San José. It is located at Calle 17, between Central and Second Avenue, Cuesta de Moras. It moved to its current location in 1950.
attractions: Parque Central de San José, Plaza de la Cultura, Parque de las Garantías Sociales (Parque de la Caja), National Theater of Costa Rica, Parque Nacional, Antigua Aduana, Teatro Popular Melico Salazar, Museo del Jade, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Metropolitan Cathedral of San José, restaurants: La Esquina de Buenos Aires, Agüizotes Gastro Pub, Costa Rica Beer Factory, Restaurante Wong's 皇朝, Restaurante Nuestra Tierra, Casa China Restaurant, Tin Jo Restaurant, Jardín de Lolita, Spoon • Central SJO (Avenida Central), Bar y Restaurante Antik
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