Overview
The Costa Rican Art Museum (Museo de Arte Costarricense) is housed in a former fort and offers a comprehensive collection of Costa Rican art from the 19th century to the present. It is a significant cultural landmark in San José.
The museum is important for its extensive collection of Costa Rican art and its historical building, which was once a strategic military fort.
Location
Address
Calle 42
Neighborhood: La Sabana
Coordinates
9.934300, -84.084600
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
December-March
Best Time of Day
Early morning
Fewer crowds and more pleasant weather
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
Warm and rainy
- • Art exhibitions
- • Cultural events
summer
Hot and rainy
- • Special exhibitions
- • Guided tours
autumn
Cool and dry
- • Art competitions
- • Cultural performances
winter
Cool and dry
- • Holiday decorations
- • Special exhibits
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book tickets in advance
- Bring valid ID
- Check weather forecast
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: Moderate
- • Steps and uneven surfaces
Medical facilities: First aid available on-site
Payment Information
Accepted
Cash, Credit cards, Debit cards
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
Casual, Comfortable shoes and clothing, Walking shoes, Inappropriate clothing
Booking Tips
- • 1-2 weeks
- • Official website
- • 48 hours in advance
- • Available for online bookings
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Museo de Arte Costarricense App
Size: 45 MB
Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Café
Charging Stations: Visitor center
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Juan Santamaría International Airport
Distance: 20 km
Travel Time: 30 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 3 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: It's a symbol of Costa Rican culture and history
Historical Significance: The building was a key military fort in the 19th century
Insider Tips
- Free entry on the first Sunday of the month
- Best views from the upper balcony
Local Recommendations
- • Try local coffee at the museum café
- • Ask for a guided tour in Spanish for a more immersive experience
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: Spanish, English, French
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Main entrance
Best Time: Early morning
Tips: Capture the neoclassical facade
Result: Great architectural shot
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
La Sabana Park
Distance: 200m
Walking: 3 min
Type: Park
National Stadium
Distance: 500m
Walking: 7 min
Type: Sports Venue
Gold Museum
Distance: 1.5km
Walking: 20 min
Type: Museum
Reviews
Based on 1,200 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Visit early for fewer crowds"
- "Check out the café"
- "Great for photography"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (24)
Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jaco
Girona, Figueres, Dalí and Cadaqués Museum from Barcelona
Masterpieces of Mexico: A Private Tour of the National Art Museum
San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and National Museum
Private Art and Museums Tour in Buenos Aires
Nerja Day Tour from the Costa del Sol
Lima City Tour and Larco Museum
Butterfly Sanctuary, Museum & Lunch with Transport
4-Hour Private Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar Tour
Historical Town Of Embu Das Artes – Art Galleries, Artisan Shops, Handicraft...
Full-Day Tour to Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Yucay Museum and Lunch
6 Hour Buddhist Temple and Embu das Artes Tour – Art Galleries, Artisan Shops
Private Historic Lima & Larco Museum
Private Tour National Museum of Anthropology and History + Downtown / Mexico
5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes
Caribbean Costa Rica: 5-Day Tour with Tortuguero National Park and Puerto Viejo
13 days program - Best Spots of Costa Rica
Aveiro & Costa Nova Private Tour – Canals & Striped Houses
Half-Day Private tour to Larco Museum with Lunch at Café del Museo Restaurant
13 days: Jungle and Beach in Costa Rica
Best Museums of São Paulo with Panoramic Sightseeing
7-Day Granada, Toledo, Madrid & Sevilla from Costa del Sol
Private Santiago Museum Tour with Lunch at Central Market
Dalí & Sant Pere De Rodes - Small group and hotel pick up from Palamós
Quick Info
Available Tours
5
Rating
4.5 / 5.0
Reviews
1,200
Adult Entry
$8