National Museum

This museum is housed in the Bellavista Fortress, former army barracks more than 100 years old. The building sports a few bullet holes in its towers, which serve as reminders of battles that took place many years ago.

It's an interesting sight in a country that no longer has an army, and the building's central courtyard overlooks the Plaza de la Democracia ( Democracy Square), a very tranquil setting. A handcraft market is also located here, and provides all kinds of articles like jewelry, wood and leather goods and clothes.

One of the country's most active research facilities and educational programs, you will come upon a bit of everything once you step inside. Some of the most interesting information deals with indigenous heritage and environmental issues.

It's open Monday thru Sunday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Gold Museum

You will find this impressive museum beneath the well know Plaza de la Cultura ( Cultural Square), right in the middle of San José. It houses an incredible collection of pre-Columbian gold that includes jewelry, body ornaments, animal symbolisms, elements used in rituals, tools and everyday objects.

The exhibits are very educational and clear. For example, you will learn how indigenous people worked the gold using wax and melting methods.

This museum offers a historical tourist attraction which shows past and present, whit some traditions that still exist today. Aside from gold, you will also come upon ceramic and stone pieces.

It's open Tuesday thru Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Jade Museum

You will find one of the world's largest museums of its kind, in the 11th floor of the National Insurance Institute ( INS) building. Jade was the most valuable commodity among the pre-Columbian cultures of Mexico and Central America, worth even more than gold.

Throughout you visit, you will admire displays of jade artifacts dating from 500 B.C. to 800 A.D. large pendants used in neckaces and human and animal figures make up most of the collection.

You will learn exactly how the natives carved into the stone, and you'll see an extensive collection of pre-Columbian polychromed terra-cotta vases, bowls and figurines. A vase that incorporates real human teeth and a display that shows how jade was embedded in human teeth merely for decorative reasons, make up two of the most popular attractions.

Open Monday thru Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Before you leave the Jade Museum, be sure to check out the splendid view of San Jose from the lounge area.

Children's Museum

Believe it or not, this building in the middle of San José, used to be the city's prison. Its imposing castle-like style holds an extensive collection of exhibits designed to educate and entertain children of all ages.
You can experience simulated earthquake, or make music as you step across the floor. Many of the exhibits encourage hands-on play.

This museum is located a few blocks North of downtown San José, but it's a good idea to take a cab, since you'd have to walk through the worst part of the red-light district to get there. It's a brilliant option if you have children traveling with you, and even if you don't.

It's open Tuesday thru Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.; Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Costa Rican Art Museum

Located in La Sabana Park, it contains more than 2.500 pieces created in the country throughout history by the best fine artists. The building used to be the international airport and its architectural style recreates that of the1950's. Inside you will see the works of artists in techniques like water color, oil and sculpture.
Open Tuesday thru Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Contemporary Art and Design Museum

Fairly new (established in 1994), this museum has served as a space to help develop and expand the main tendencies of contemporary art and design, at the national and international levels.

Since its beginnings, the museum has held more than 50 exhibitions, the majority developed by the museum's own restoration staff. Some of them included traveling exhibitions and the first contemporary arts exhibition in Central America.

It's located within the Centro Nacional de Cultura - CENAC (National Center for Culture). This is a large complex building with striking architectural features, that used to be the National Liqueur Factory established in 1856. The award-winning complex, was restored in 1994, and includes the Ministry of Culture, a dance studio, two theaters and an amphitheater.

It's open from Tuesday thru Saturday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Historical Museum Dr. Rafael Angel Calderón Guardia

It's dedicated to presenting the life and works former president Rafael Angel Calderón Guardia ( he's considered the father of the social security system in Costa Rica). It covers everything from his life as citizen, a professional and the politician that ruled the country from 1940 to 1944. The house where it is located was built in 1912, and was acquired by Calderon in 1942. It was declared a national monument in 1979.

Open Monday thru Saturday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.