Best Free Museums In San Jose Near Me

1. Pre-Columbian Gold Museum - Centro Catedral

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Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
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Address: Bajos de la Plaza de la Cultura. Avenida Central. Calle 5 San José Centro San José CR 10104, Av. Central, San José, Costa Rica

Schedule: Closed ⋅ Opens 9:30 AM

Telephone: +506 2243 4202

Business type: Museum

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum: what do users think?
Andy Salas
Andy Salas: Quite an interesting and beautiful collection of jewelry and artifacts from before those greedy Europeans ravaged the land. I loved learning about the history of our coins and maps, all in one place. I do feel I need to mention that some of the text translations to English should have been proofread a bit more before being posted, and that the lettering displays on walls and glass require a bit more up keeping since some letters were missing altogether. Other than that I fully recommend nationals (¢2500 and free for 65+) and foreigners ($15) to stop by.
Arthur Sosa Jr.
Arthur Sosa Jr.: Very cool museum in downturn that hast a vast collection of precolombian gold on display as well as coins from the history of Costa Rica
Jamie Mason
Jamie Mason: What a stunning museum! Large spacious galleries with artefacts beautifully presented. The gold art work was very thin, delicate and some very tiny ! Over 3 floors this museum really captures the essence of the role of gold in pre-Columbian history. I particularly adored the tiny figurines which were so delicately moulded. Great location right next to the theatre. Very easy to find !
Response: Thank you very much for your comment Jamie. The tiny is really impressive.
Alonna Dawes
Alonna Dawes: With Greenway Nature Day Tours, we visited the “Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.” We learned, from our tour guide, Alberto (Beto) from Greenway Nature Day Tours, about the indigenous people from Costa Rica and how they made things out of gold. It was nice to see what the indigenous people made, I’m sure it took them along time to make these things that still exist today. I really enjoyed the video from the indigenous people and how some of the tribes have lost the indigenous language. This tour was very informative and let me know more about Costa Rica before Columbus/Spain had arrived.
Catherine Hertzog Nelson
Catherine Hertzog Nelson: Fascinating little exhibit. 3 floors underground in old bank vaults. Great activity for an hour or 2, especially on Sundays when the mercado is closed. We really enjoyed this museum!
Richard Cauchi
Richard Cauchi: This is one of three national-level museums that provide insight into the history, politics, art and life of the early peoples in Costa Rica. The real value here is not in the gold bullion, but in the artistry and complex life before the European conquests. Three museums are combined in this modern underground building. Be sure to also visit the "National Museum" five short blocks down Av. Central.

2. Museo del Jade - Bella Vista

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Museo del Jade
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Address: y 13 bis, Av. Central, San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

Schedule: Closed ⋅ Opens 8 AM

Telephone: +506 2521 6610

Business type: Archaeological museum

Museo del Jade: what do users think?
Jillian Kara
Jillian Kara: This place was one of the coolest places I went to during my trip! First off there was AC which is great! There were so many different exhibits and wonderful things to look at. The museum was spacious and even with a good amount of people walking around it didn’t feel crowded at all. There was such a wide variety of stuff to look at, you could really spend all day there. It was about $6 a ticket and totally worth it. We spent about three hours there but you could have spent even more time.
Jason Goldsberry
Jason Goldsberry: Very repetitive and not very well curated. $16 each for Americans, $5 each if you have a Costa Rican student ID. 60% pottery of all nomenclatures, 20% art exhibit of Salvador Dali (who was one weird dude), 20% jade in various formats. Was interesting the first 30min but there’s a lot of historical context lacking. Also not interactive in the least bit. That said, better than sitting at home for $5.
Jamie Mason
Jamie Mason: I was surprised how well this 5 storey museum presented their huge collection! On the 5th floor there’s the largest collection of precolombian ceramics I have ever seen. I took so many pictures as I found the art so inspirational. The building itself I found really aesthetically pleasing too. Well worth the visit. Not just jade but so much more.
Eyal Kenigsvain
Eyal Kenigsvain: This is a beautiful museum. There are many exhibits of the various periods and artifacts going back thousands of years. Good screens for kids and generally great way kids to experience the history of this beautiful country and amazing people. As a wonderful bonus there was a wonderful exhibit of the works of Isidro Con Wong. It was a splendid 3 hours. Great location too, good city walk about.
Alvaro Murillo
Alvaro Murillo: The objects in this place makes you think about where we Costarican are from and how they figured to create so amazing art with simple tools. If you find yourself around San Jose downtown do yourself a favor and go I’ll take about hour and a half maybe more if you are curious.
Daria Chastang
Daria Chastang: Loved looking at the various Jade pieces on the 2nd floor 😍. I really wish the museum displays/captions included more information about what the pieces are or how they were used in the past 😔. Also really enjoyed the pottery exhibit on 5th floor. The painted and molded detailing is exquisite.
Rojee Pollock
Rojee Pollock: The history is good , the jade is from 500ad . That mean a small volume. They used it for jewelry and funerals. Small amount. Lots of different colors.
Peter Steen
Peter Steen: Certainly worth visiting. Great collection of jade objects and more. The animal figurines are amazing. The interactive parts work a bit less well. We spend 2 hours at this museum. No bags and bag packs allowed but you find free lockers at the entrance

3. Natural Science Museum La Salle - La Salle

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Natural Science Museum La Salle
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Address: Av. 12, La Salle, San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

Schedule: Closed ⋅ Opens 8 AM

Telephone: +506 2232 1306

Business type: Museum

Natural Science Museum La Salle: what do users think?
Noily Alpizar
Noily Alpizar: Small but good quality museum. Quick visit for kids, 1.5 hrs. For an adult could be more. Not pack at all in the weekdays.Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No …More
Alfonso Bonilla
Alfonso Bonilla: Outstanding butterflies collection and other interesting precious rocks. The museum entry is the same as the MAG, Costa Rica Ministry of Agriculture and animal husbandry.Visited on Weekend Wait time 1 hr+ Reservation recommended No …More
Trudi Tryggvason
Trudi Tryggvason: Great collection of rocks and minerals, good collection of insects and coral. The taxidermy is awful....Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No …More
Angela Dares
Angela Dares: Many things to see from all over the world. The butterfly and moth collection was extremely extensive!
Nur Azijah
Nur Azijah: Great museum to visit with kids in San José, rich of collection.

4. National Museum of Costa Rica - Bella Vista

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National Museum of Costa Rica
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Address: Cuesta de Moras, Av. Central, Bella Vista, San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

Schedule: Closed ⋅ Opens 8:30 AM

Telephone: +506 2211 5700

Business type: National museum

National Museum of Costa Rica: what do users think?
Jillian Kara
Jillian Kara: Fantastic place to check out!! The museum was absolutely wonderful to walk around. It was inexpensive and you could spend the whole day there. The staff was super friendly and the butterflies were the best part. The art was breathtaking and there were so many different things to look at. They had the history of Costa Rica, lots of art work, and even the original jail cells. Absolutely rich in history and a fun place to spend a few hours. AC was a plus!
Nicola UK
Nicola UK: Excellent range of exhibits and information to help deepen knowledge of Costa Ricsn history. The building is the former army barracks - no longer needed after Costa Rica disbanded the army in 1949. We spent about 2 hours here - would be good to be able to use your ticket to return later the same day as it’s hard to take in all the information. Loved the butterfly information as we entered.
Richelle Burney
Richelle Burney: This was an awesome museum! I enjoyed the exhibits and the people were friendly. It is indoor/outdoor like most places in Costa Rica so take an umbrella if you go during their Winter rain season.Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No …More
A M
A M: Wow! We loved it. Entrance was free the day we went. Starts off in the Butterfly house, followed by permanent and some temporary exhibits. A wealth of information about the history of Costa Rica - pre and post Columbian to industrialization and modernization. Worth visiting if you find yourself in San Jose. Staff is very helpful.Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait …More
Chris McQueen
Chris McQueen: Not large, but nice variety of exhibits. If you stop to read all the material (English and Spanish) you get a good appreciation for the history of Costa Rica from pre-Columbian period through the independence of the country. Butterfly exhibit at the beginning is a fun start, the grounds are calm and beautiful.
R Gallardo
R Gallardo: Very informative, starts from the beginning (pre-Columbus history) to the present day. Good information regarding the whole of America, not only Costa Rica. Must visit when going to San José. Entry is also cheap!
Response: Thanks for the 5 stars. Greetings.
adam clare
adam clare: Nice museum. Lay out is a little confusing, some things are closed. I was here oct 2 2022. -The entrance is by the glass sphere, pay at the desk. -You enter the same way you exit. You pass through the butter fly room in and out. I only saw 2 blue butterflies flying around, and some brown ones sleeping on branches. There is also some cocoons on string near the theater entance. (Green on the map picture) -The theater was closed. -Then you get to a court yard that is surrounded by multiple exhibits. -The blue on the map was the modern art display, it didnt have many pieces, but some were interesting. -The red on the map is the stone art room, it has many different sculptures and tables. -There is the old commanders room/house in the north east corrner, along with a bird section. -Yellow on the map is the history of costa rica section, and gives the history from before country to modern times. Lots of interesting things. -The court yard is nice and has some large stone spheres. -Exit back down the butterfly room. -The nature section was closed, it is only for schools, and the jail section was closed off. Overall it was a nice tour, not too long, but lots of interesting things. Like this review below if the info helps

5. Museum of Costa Rican Art - Sabana

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Museum of Costa Rican Art
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Address: WWP2+594, C. 42, Sabana, San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

Schedule: Closed ⋅ Opens 9 AM

Telephone: +506 2256 1281

Business type: Art museum

Museum of Costa Rican Art: what do users think?
Jessica Rockeman
Jessica Rockeman: Beautiful building inside and out. You should stop in-very worth the time and adjacent to a beautiful park. This museum does amazing work. English and Spanish text guides makes it easy for everyone.
Banupriya Sridharan
Banupriya Sridharan: For a vunisg enthusiasts like me, this place was free had wonderful collection and we took out time exploring the place. Highly recommended!Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No …More
Leonie Weber
Leonie Weber: went there because my hostel was nearby and I had two hours of time. but really a must visit! the museum is in the old airport building and has stunning architecture. the exhibits have some great pieces that really make you ponder and showcase costa rican culture.
Jonathan Johnson
Jonathan Johnson: Stunning, free museum with a great collection of local art. It took a couple hours but you could rush through faster. We are so happy we took the time to visit. Wooden room above the main gallery is a highlight! Outdoor sculpture park is also fantastic.
Elena G.
Elena G.: Excellent museum but so little, I would like to see many more such amazing works.

6. Children's Museum - Bajos de La Unión

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Children's Museum
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Address: WWR9+GR4, Av 9, Bajos de La Union, San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

Schedule: Closed ⋅ Opens 8:30 AM

Telephone: +506 2258 4929

Business type: Children's museum

Children's Museum: what do users think?
Daniel Campbell
Daniel Campbell: A great museum with many things to see. They have a dinosaur section, human anatomy section, and more! Outside of the building, there was chickens, a helicopter, and a train. This is a great way for children to learn through fun.
Sara Bonavita
Sara Bonavita: It was such a good place , super entertaining for kids and also for the parents . Our 4 year old loved it.Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure …More
Tanya Kutsenko
Tanya Kutsenko: Full of life, love and kids laughter ❤
A N
A N: The museum covers every possible subject that might be interesting and educational to children. It’s very thoughtful and interactive, so it’s not going to be our last visit.Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure …More
rob k
rob k: It was OK. There are two museums here and I there there was some confusion if which I wanted. But honestly wasnt too much here. And there is nothing around. I did walk down towards the bust stop and had a nice breakfast since they opened later than posted on Google.
A Mac
A Mac: Nice museum for kids. I recommend you visit SJ with your kids.
Hashly Porras
Hashly Porras: Loved the place. My 2-year-old had a lot of funVisited on Weekend Wait time Up to 10 min Reservation recommended Yes …More

7. MADC - Centro Carmen

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MADC
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Address: Av. 3, Calle 15. Costado Oeste de la Biblioteca Nacional. Antigua Fanal San José CR, San José, Costa Rica

Schedule: Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM

Telephone: +506 2257 7202

Business type: Art museum

MADC: what do users think?
New Leaf
New Leaf: Not an extremely large place but a very unique one, I was just as interested in the location as the artwork exhibited. Luckily when I attended there were very interesting exhibitions and I had a great time. Admission was a good value for the price, very interesting layout and they utilize the former use if the building to add to the overall aesthetic, a very lovely place for an afternoon outing, or a nice day date. A short stroll from many wonderful restaurants and nightlife
Toby Wilson
Toby Wilson: Didn’t let me in as I only had a 20k colon note. It was 2.5k colon to get in. So over 20% and it was all the atm provided. They didn’t even consider finding a solution or anything. Clearly just wanted me out. Was really disappointed :(
Michel Nadeau
Michel Nadeau: My second favourite museum after the National Museum. Not very large so quickly go through. Several modern art items worth seeing.
Response: Thank you so much Michel !!!
Mike Hunt
Mike Hunt: Very small was three rooms. "Art" was bland and unimaginative when i went . Most staff were asleep. Says online it is free but they chargeVisited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No …More
Joan Callamezzo
Joan Callamezzo: Muy interesante. A good visit for tourists, full of history!
Rob Evans
Rob Evans: Large unexpected space with interesting art and photos worth stopping by and seeing
Chris Giles
Chris Giles: Very small. Cash only, C2,500 for foreigners. One very unfriendly guard at the main gate who evidently thought I was bent on criminal activity, such was his aggressive demeanour. Not much to see.

8. Esfera de metal y vidrio - Bella Vista

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Esfera de metal y vidrio
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Address: WWMH+26R, Bella Vista, San José, Costa Rica

Schedule: Open 24 hours

Business type: National museum

Esfera de metal y vidrio: what do users think?
Esteban Bermúdez
Esteban Bermúdez: Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended NoMore
Carlos Richard
Carlos Richard: Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sureMore

9. Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture - Bajos de La Unión

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Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture
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Address: WWR9+GR4, C. 4, Bajos de La Union, San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

Schedule: Closed ⋅ Opens 8 AM

Telephone: +506 2258 4929

Business type: Museum

Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture: what do users think?
Kristen Pratt Canalessi
Kristen Pratt Canalessi: There was so much more than we expected. My kids got tired before we finished it all! The virtual reality games were a big hit with them. Little unexpected hits around each corner.Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Yes …More
Gilles Dufour
Gilles Dufour: A must see for all ages if you are in the SJ area. There are at least three museums in this great building plus you can eat there. Nice staff.
Allen Andrey Aguilar Azofeifa
Allen Andrey Aguilar Azofeifa: Very nice place to share time with family and learn!!
Claire Latola
Claire Latola: It was fun exciting as a familyVisited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Yes …More
Andres Vargas
Andres Vargas: I find it a bit weird that the emphasis of the experience revolves around corporations and public institutions. One would expect a greater focus on scientific attractions. Also the museum was lacking in maintenance. In spite of that kids had an amazing time.
Autumn Bieber
Autumn Bieber: This is an absolutely awesome museum. As an adult I even had a lot of fun and learned tons! They always have plenty of things for the kids to do, and regularly have family events planned!
Alexander Anchia Vindas
Alexander Anchia Vindas: I could not see the whole part but it seems to be an amazong place. I went there for My vaccine

10. Historical Museum Dr. Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia - Escalante

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Historical Museum Dr. Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia
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Address: WWPM+WR8, Barrio Escalante, San José Province, San José, 10101, Costa Rica

Schedule: Closed ⋅ Opens 8:30 AM

Telephone: +506 2221 1239

Business type: Museum

Historical Museum Dr. Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia: what do users think?
Lorna O. Davison
Lorna O. Davison: Beautiful building, very friendly staff, well curated collection. A quick stop in an elegant place. Parking too.
oscar morera herrera
oscar morera herrera: A very important part of Costa Rica History. And one of the man behind the deep social transformation of the country. Also great art exhibitions.
Johnny Kong
Johnny Kong: This was the home of a previous president of Costa Rica. It was nice and well kept. Interesting information inside. A short 15-30 minute walk around by your self. Reading about the president and his family on multiple placards. Plenty of parking. I came here on a tour bus and the tour guide led us through explaining everything.
Ken Donsky
Ken Donsky: Very interesting to learn the history of Costa Rica. Dr. Calderon was like the FDR of Costa Rica.
scott wimer
scott wimer: I enjoy seeing the classic architecture as well as the revolving art exhibit.
Mia Reid
Mia Reid: Not too busy, nice exhibitions, pretty place, off the path.
Georgina A
Georgina A: Free tourist attraction to walk around

11. Museo Postal, Telegráfico y Filatélico - Centro Merced

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Museo Postal, Telegráfico y Filatélico
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Address: WWP9+4XV, C. 2, Paso De La Vaca, San José, 10102, Costa Rica

Schedule: Closed ⋅ Opens 8 AM

Telephone: +506 2223 6918

Business type: Museum

Museo Postal, Telegráfico y Filatélico: what do users think?
Massimiliano Martino
Massimiliano Martino: A jump into the past!
J. Pacheco
J. Pacheco: Very interesting place. It could be better. More collections of national postage stamps are missing. There is no visitor log book. The receptionist is not a friendly person, and she is unaware of the nature of her job.
José Luis López Vega
José Luis López Vega: Iconic facade of the neoclassical buildings in the center of San José, a must-see for soaking up the cultural legacy of the Tico capital
Alberto Guerrero
Alberto Guerrero: The building is extraordinary, one of the most beautiful and best cared for in San José.
Jorge Humberto Ramos Santizo
Jorge Humberto Ramos Santizo: A post office building that stands out among the surrounding ones, attracts attention. If you like to see old historical objects, you will like this museum.
Diana Aguilar
Diana Aguilar: The entrance costs 740 colones and it is a postcard ready to be sent anywhere in the world. One of the best entries. The museum is quite entertaining even though its main content is stamps. In the telegraph and telephone section we can use magnetic telephones and talk to another person on the other side of the room, which makes the visit super entertaining. Architectural details of the post office building can be seen. There is a wide variety of stamps, most of them super fun, as well as photographs of the beginnings of the Costa Rican post office. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last Saturday of each month it opens from 8:30 to 11:30. The tour is very nice and the staff very friendly.
Milton DelgadoN
Milton DelgadoN: Very well preserved old building where the central facilities of the Costa Rican telegraph were, then they were the central offices of the Costa Rican mail and now it is the Postal Museum... This building is located in the metropolitan area of ​​San José, about 200 mts. of the Cathedral...
Damián Soto
Damián Soto: Beautiful building in the center of San José, inside you can see a part of the history of Costa Rica, there is also a Kolbi branch in case you need to do some quick paperwork
Sergio Monge
Sergio Monge: Urban tourist destination, very good place

12. _Temporal - Los Yoses

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_Temporal
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Address: WWJP+JGP, 2, Los Yoses, San José, Costa Rica

Business type: Art museum

_Temporal: what do users think?
Pablo Rojas Quesada
Pablo Rojas Quesada: Authentic artistic core. Just to rescue it and donate it to national art
Michelle Verónica
Michelle Verónica: It is an artistic gallery space, where many artists meet in residences, where art, performances, theater, music and much more are created. I really love the space. He has Instagram.
gustavo ramirez.calderon
gustavo ramirez.calderon: Cool. I liked every studio I visited.

13. Museo de la Democracia - Centro Carmen

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Museo de la Democracia
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Address: WWMH+8HF, Av. Central, El Carmen, San José, 10101, Costa Rica

Business type: Museum

Museo de la Democracia: what do users think?
Armando Gómez
Armando Gómez: It is a beautiful place that was first the United States Embassy, ​​then the Presidency of the Republic, then the Presidency of the Legislative Assembly and now the Museum of Democracy of Costa Rica

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