The Top Museums and Cultural Centers in Costa Rica
![Mangrove inspired installation](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/c.webp)
Costa Rica is home to some wonderful museums, especially in and around San Jose. If you are interested in history, art, science, popular culture, nature, and animals, then you’ve got a lot of museums to visit. There are guided tours, self-guided tours, and even lectures that you can attend at some of the museums throughout the country on various points of interest. There are even plenty of children and family friendly museums and activities too. So ditch the beach for a day and instead head to one of Costa Rica’s best museums and cultural centers.
1. The National Museum of Costa Rica
Museum
![The National Museum of Costa Rica](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/national.webp)
The Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum is located in what was actually once a prison. It has been totally renovated and now features a great variety of exhibits and hands-on activities. There are interactive exhibits that focus on science, technology, culture, art, and literature. There is even an earthquake simulator and an exhibit about the old prison. Kids and adults alike will find this museum to be very engaging, informative, and a lot of fun. Families can learn about Costa Rica’s past and traditional way of life too. Part of experiencing a new country as a family is to learn about the place in which you are visiting from a cultural standpoint. This is a great place to do just that.
Centro Costarricense de Ciencia y Cultura, San Jose, Costa Rica, +506 2258 4929
2. La Salle Museum of Natural Science
Museum
![There are over 1,000 species of butterflies in Costa Rica](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1947835.webp)
3. Popular Culture Museum
Museum
![Ancient art](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1947834.webp)
The National Gallery of Contemporary Art and Design
The National Gallery of Contemporary Art and Design opened in 1994. It is in an old renovated liquor factory between Parque España and The National Library. There are 900 permanent pieces here and typically two to three visiting exhibits, but the focus is on Costa Rican art, design, and architecture. Throughout the gallery there are various theaters, art galleries, and libraries; there is even an open-air gallery called the Mela de la Pilazza, and sometimes the National Gallery hosts festivals. There are also workshops available for young and aspiring artists throughout the year. This place is truly inspirational for the artists and art lovers out there, and if you visit on a Monday, entry is free.
MADC, Calle 15, San José, Costa Rica, +506 2257 9370