National Museum of Costa Rica

National museum · San José

National Museum of Costa Rica

National museum · San José

2

Cuesta de Moras, Av. Central, San José, Bella Vista, 10101, Costa Rica

Photos

National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by Photo by Héctor Calderón
National Museum of Costa Rica by Photo by Héctor Calderón
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null
National Museum of Costa Rica by null

Highlights

Housed in a historic barracks, Costa Rica’s National Museum combines rich history, pre-Columbian art, lush butterfly gardens, and stunning city views.  

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Cuesta de Moras, Av. Central, San José, Bella Vista, 10101, Costa Rica Get directions

museocostarica.go.cr
@museonacionalcr

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Cuesta de Moras, Av. Central, San José, Bella Vista, 10101, Costa Rica Get directions

+506 2211 5700
museocostarica.go.cr
@museonacionalcr

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Last updated

Aug 1, 2025

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@afar

"National Museum of Costa Rica Thewallsof the National Museum still bear the scars of cannonballs. The museum, formerly the Bellavista barracks, was where prisoners were jailed, in cells that can be visitedby those interested inhow prisons and dungeons worked. Less grim aspects of Costa Rica are explored here, too, including a complete wing on pre-Columbian history and indigenous gold; a national history section, with photos and objects dating from colonial times to independent, republican days; and an area devoted to the country’s natural setting, including a great butterfly garden. In addition to the prison, the building’s past is explored inthe so-called Casas de los Comandantes—in useat theend of the 19th century andcontainingthe era’s luxurious furnishings—as well as another scarred wall. This one iswhere a mace blow was struck to abolish the Costa Rican army, turning the nation into an official land of peace. By Travesías"

The Best Things to Do in Costa Rica
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@afar

"National Museum of Costa Rica Thewallsof the National Museum still bear the scars of cannonballs. The museum, formerly the Bellavista barracks, was where prisoners were jailed, in cells that can be visitedby those interested inhow prisons and dungeons worked. Less grim aspects of Costa Rica are explored here, too, including a complete wing on pre-Columbian history and indigenous gold; a national history section, with photos and objects dating from colonial times to independent, republican days; and an area devoted to the country’s natural setting, including a great butterfly garden. In addition to the prison, the building’s past is explored inthe so-called Casas de los Comandantes—in useat theend of the 19th century andcontainingthe era’s luxurious furnishings—as well as another scarred wall. This one iswhere a mace blow was struck to abolish the Costa Rican army, turning the nation into an official land of peace. By Travesías"

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The Perfect Day in San Jose
View Postcard for National Museum of Costa Rica

Christabella

Google
Oh my! How I loved this museum. The butterfly garden was completely unexpected but a pleasant welcome. So much rich history and lots to see, learn and admire. There is a “secret” door that leads to the rooftop for incredible skyline views and sounds of the City. The receptionist and security that checked me in were also helpful. There were also docents and guides available in certain exhibits to provide more insight and answer questions.

Tomas Z

Google
This is a great national museum in an old prison and military building. Entering the building you’ll walk up some ramps in a butterfly enclosure to see some beautiful plants. You can look through the old prison cells, and get a sense of how Costa Rica came about with a good exhibit showing the region from pre-colonial days to now. It doesn’t shy away from some of the darker aspects of their history, and even recent events and struggles which was really refreshing. The reclaimed artefacts on display are absolutely amazing, and the central courtyard jungle with large stone orbs is a must see too. It’s a great museum so give yourself 1-2 hours if you’re a fast paced tourist like me.

Steve Takata

Google
The national Museum is definitely worth a visit. The exhibits are sort of arranged scattered about multiple buildings, which makes it a little bit unusual and sometimes hard to figure out what you’ve seen and what you still need to see, but if you have a few hours and wander through, it’s a very nice way to spend an afternoon. They have a lot of exhibits about Costa Rican history and art and it is right downtown close to tons of restaurants.

Victoria

Google
Beautiful museum that explains all Costa Rica’s history and culture. Price for non nationals is 11€ The staff is very friendly! Highly recommend it !

IPI Business

Google
Very well run and set up museum. The history of Costa Rica is well explained from modern to Pre-Colombian. The stone carved tabled and gold jewelry were especially of interest to me.

Bas Debbink

Google
Great museum in the heart of San Jose, with a butterfly garden right inside. It is bigger than it looks with 2 floors of exhibits showing the history of Costa Rica and surrounding areas in Central America. From distant past all the way to present days, this is a great way to learn more about how Costa Rica went through several transformations, including some of the more recent challenges. Highly recommend this as a stop during your visit to San Jose.

Lee Mason

Google
We spent a little over an hour here and would have liked to have had more time. Exhibits were explained in both English and Spanish. There was a fabulous butterfly garden and a significant section explaining the history of the building. Also, some exhibits on pre-Columbian art. Very interesting. Nice views of the city and mountains from the second floor gardens.

Wil Ri

Google
The museum is housed in the original military barracks and is well worth visiting. Lots of interesting displays and the building has a lot of character. It took about two hours to see everything.