Showing 1-4 of 4 results
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Museo de Jade
Located in the black glass building of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS), San José's most famous museum houses the world's largest collection of American jade (say it with us - ha-day), and is often busy with tour groups. The craftsmanship of each gemstone on display is exquisite, and the various archeological exhibits of ceramic and stonework are helpful in gaining an insight into Costa Rica's pre-Colombian cultures.
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Museo de los Niños & Galería Nacional
This fascinating museum is not just for kids. It resides in an old penitentiary built in 1909, known locally as 'La Peni'. The children's museum has shows on science, music and geography, among others. Adults will be captivated by the free Galería Nacional, which displays modern art in old, abandoned prison cells.
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Museo de Oro Precolombino y Numismática
This three-in-one museum houses a glittering collection of pre-Columbian gold and other artifacts, including historical currency and some contemporary art. The museum is owned by the Banco Central and its architecture brings to mind all the warmth and comfort of a bank vault. Security is tight; all visitors must leave bags at the door.
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Teatro Nacional (National Theater)
The national theater is regarded as San José's most impressive public building. Built in 1897, it features a columned neoclassical façade and is flanked by statues of Beethoven and Calderón de la Barca, a 17th-century Spanish dramatist. The lavish lobby and auditorium are lined with paintings depicting various facets of 19th-century life, the most famous being Alegoría al café y el banano , an idyllic canvas showing coffee and banana harvests.
Showing 1-4 of 4 results
