Visit the Costa Rican Art Museum

Side view of Art Museum with beautiful flowers

After spending time enjoying the many different outdoor attractions of Costa Rica, such as the beaches, the nature reserves and the rainforests, you can enhance your visit even more with a little bit of culture. In the heart of capital San Jose’s La Sabana Park, visitors to the area can explore the Costa Rican Art Museum. Tourists can be a part of the art movements of this region from the past and for the future. A visit to this museum can help give your itinerary something unique and fascinating for all of your travel companions.

Plan Your Visit

The Art Museum is located inside of La Sabana Park at San Jose’s old airport facilities. It’s open every day except Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Getting to the museum is most convenient via bus or train. You can take either the Sabana-Cementerio bus or the Sabana-Estadio route. Via train, you’ll need to take the route that runs from San Pedro to Pavas. Your stop will be in front of the General Comptroller of the Republic in Sabana Norte. Students and those under age 18 get free admission. On Sundays, you can plan a budget-friendly visit when adult admission is free as well.

Featured Collections

The Art Museum features more than six thousand pieces of art in a variety of forms and mediums. Besides offering special rotating temporary exhibitions, this museum has permanent collections.

Famous Artists of Latin America – The world of Latin American art is on display here with featured artists such as Jose Sancho, Max Jimenez, Francisco Zuniga and Jorge Jimenez-Deredia.

Costa Rican Art – The museum is home to the most complete collection of Costa Rican art in the world. Visitors can view pieces as far back as the early 19th century.

Contemporary Art From Around the World – Contemporary art is featured here as well, with a unique international collection of more than 560 pieces.

Sculpture Garden – In the museum’s outdoor space, there is a vibrant sculpture garden featuring several important pieces by noteworthy Costa Rican sculptures.

Art History – Upstairs, you can experience art history through the eyes of Costa Rica, with bas-relief walls, visuals of the pre-Columbian natives and an impressive mural by French artist Louis Feron.

Combine Your Visit to a Nearby Park

After spending the morning learning about Costa Rican art, don’t forget to experience La Sabana Park. This is the largest park in the country and gives residents and visitors to San Jose some much-needed green space. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll around the artificial lake or try your hand at running or skating in the park’s track.

Concerts and Other Experiences

Another way to experience the Art Museum is through one of its special events, such as a concert. Inside the Salon Dorado, music lovers can get a cultural experience for their ears. Regular events and concerts are scheduled throughout the season. Many visitors look forward to the site’s choral concerts each year.

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Delighting Visitors Since 1977

This incredible Costa Rican gem has been impressing visitors and people who live here since its opening in 1977. In addition to giving the local area access to art and culture, the museum also boasts a comprehensive education program for young people. Visitors can also take advantage of some of the guided tours offered by the museum. Get a new perspective about some of the most famous art pieces in the museum, including painting, prints, woodcuts and sculptures.

If you have a taste for art or want to get a cultural experience during your time in San Jose and Costa Rica, stop by the Art Museum.