National Museum of Costa Rica (Museo Nacional de Costa Rica)

The National Museum of Costa Rica is interesting for both its collections and its stunningly beautiful architectural complex. It resembles an ancient fortress, whose task is to protect the city and preserve its culture. And although the fortress used to be there, now the whole complex is occupied by a huge cultural center loved by tourists and locals.

Even though, the National Museum of Costa Rica was officially opened in 1950 in the famous fortress of Bellavista, its history began much earlier. It all started at the end of the 19th century when there were reforms aimed at preserving and developing culture. And the first small National Museum appeared in San Jose in 1887. It was there that they began collecting historical artifacts, studying, cataloging, and periodically exhibiting them.

At that time, the main task of the museum was a scientific activity. The pre-Columbian history was not well studied. The influence of the conquistadors led to the fact that part of the cultural heritage was lost. So it was time to start taking care of the history, study it, preserve it carefully, and pass it on to new generations.

During its existence, the museum has changed several buildings. As the collection grew, it needed more and more space. As a result, the National Museum moved to the elegant architectural complex of the Bellavista barracks built in 1917. Now the museum occupies not only the barracks but also the inner square of the Plaza de la Democracy, several small warehouses, and two houses where commanders and their families lived during the war in Costa Rica.

Currently, there is an extensive collection of items dedicated to the history of Costa Rica from pre-Columbian times to the present day. You can find not only folk costumes and national musical instruments, and works of art, but also the most detailed information about where the artifacts were found and, why they are important for preserving history and traditions.