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Central Zone of Costa Rica |
Children's Museum
Children's Museum is located in downtown San José; Calle 4 and North of Avenida 9, 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.Tel: (506) 258-4929
Gold Museum
The Gold museum, in downtown San José;Avenida Central, Plaza de la Cultura, 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. Tel: (506) 243-4202
Joyas del Tropico Museum
Joyas del Tropico Museum is 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
The national museum is rather small Museum displays Costumes, Jade, Gold, Archaeology and some Colonial and Religious Art. Some of the pieces are labelled in English and in Spanish. 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. Tel: (506) 257-1433
Museum of Costa Rican Art
Museum of Costa Rican Art is 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)
Serpentarium is 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.
Museo de Jade
Calle 9 and 11 Avenida 7
San Jose
Tel: (506) 287-6034
Located on the 11th floor of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros, this is one of Costa Rica 's famous Museums with the world 's largest collection with hundreds o pieces on display. To fully appreciate the translucent quality of this gemstones many are displayed with a backlight.
Museo de Arte Costarricense
Calle 42, End of Paseo Colón
San Jose
Tel: (506) 222-7155
Collection of paintings and sculptures of the 19th and 20th Century. This museum used to be the old airport building until 1955, when the Sabana Park used to be the airport.
Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo
Calle 15 and 17 Avenida 3
San Jose
Tel: (506) 257-7202
This museum within the National Cultural and Arts Centre, next to the National Library used to be the old Liquor Factory of Costa Rica. It offers changing art shows.
Museo de Ciencias Naturales (Natural Sciences)
South - West Corner of the Park La Sabana in the former La Salle High School
San Jose
Tel: (506) 232-1306
It displays a large collection of stuffed animals and mounted butterflies. It is a resource for people that like to identify some species they have seen in the wild. There are also exhibits on paleontology and archaeology.
Museo de Insectos (Insect Museum)
University of Costa Rica, San Pedro
San Jose
Tel: (506) 207-5318
In the basement of the Artes Musicales building offers one of the largest collection of insects in Central America. There are many exotic insects to be seen.
Museo Postal, Telegráfico y Filatélico de Costa Rica
Calle 2, Avenida 1 and 3
San Jose
Tel: (506) 223-6918
Museo de Criminología (Criminal Museum)
Calle 17, Avenida 6 and 8
San Jose
Tel: (506) 223-0666
Exhibit of criminal acts to prevent crime with some quite macabre exhibits like severed limbs by machetes etc.
Juan Santamaría Museum
Calle 0/2, Ave. 3
Alajuela
Call 441-4775, fax 441-6926
Schedule: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Tues.- Sun.
The Juan Santamaria Museum highlights Costa Rica´s battles against William Walker in 1856 and life of Costa Rican hero Juan Santa María
Museum of Natural Sciences La Salle
Southeast corner La Sabana Park.
San Jose
Call 232-1306
Schedule: 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Mon. - Fri., 7:30 a.m. - noon, sat., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sun.
Museum of Natural Sciences La Salle Over 22,500 displays featuring zoology, paleontology, archaeology and entomology
Museo de la Biología Marina
School of Marine Biology of the Nacional University
Heredia
Call (506) 237-6427
Schedule: 8:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 16:00 Mon - Fri
