Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum
Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum
Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum
4.5
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Juan Santamaria Cultural Historical Museum is the national institution to acquire, preserve, preserve, research and disseminate cultural heritage, related to the National Campaign and the province of Alajuela. It is located in the Old Headquarer and Old Alajuela's City Jail. The Museum have historial and art exhibitions, cafe, bookstore, library and an auditorium where cultural activities take place.
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See what travelers are saying
- Phil GLondon, United Kingdom36 contributionsFree museum entryIf you're in Alajuela then this is somewhere you must visit, along with the central market!! Here you can learn all about the history of the country and see many interesting historical items of clothing, tools, stonware, army weapons, etc... It doesn't take more than an hour to walk round and it's a good place to take a break from either the heat or the rain. I think the entry was free and the staff that were working at the museum were very helpful.Visited July 2021Written July 31, 2021
- Jacinda B35 contributionsHelpful staff, informational exhibits, breathtaking rooftop viewsThe customer service here was exceptional! We were the only people there at the time, so they gave us a lot of special attention and showed us the suggested order to view the rooms. They also made sure we got a chance to go to the roof, which was definitely the highlight of our visit. The views were amazing and the staff member who brought us up there took photos of us upon our request and allowed us to take our time looking out over the city. As English-speaking tourists, we weren't able to fully understand the exhibits because only about half of the signs had English translations, but we saw enough to learn a lot about the history and culture of Alajuela.Visited November 2022Written November 22, 2022
- CiscoTaxLexington, South Carolina16 contributionsWorth itThe history of the building and the ticos were beautifully represented. The museum was very clean. The views from the roof were amazing. What set this museum apart was how helpful and knowledgeable the staff were. Wish we had longer as and hour was not enough. 5 teens/2- 40s and a 70sVisited July 2022Traveled with familyWritten August 10, 2022
- Type-A-Mother84 contributionsOkay Museum in an Okay CityThe day I visited the museum was free for some reason. There are some very official men upon entering that describe the rules (no flash photos, drinks, food) of the museum and have you sign in. It was a good place to escape the noise and heat of the square. Some signs in English which was surprising because very few people speak English in this city.Visited March 2016Traveled soloWritten March 19, 2016
- MissDCWilsonCosta Rica455 contributionsA Hero?Over the last few years the Costa Rican government has changed his teaching curriculum and Juan Santamaria is no longer a hero. Yet, this cultural museum stands and reminds the public of the famous battle that took place near the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. A crazy guy from the US, William Walker figured he could take over every country in Central America and make his own. Of course he fought with his own army and the rest of the story is right at this museum in Alajuela. Go ahead, visit this museum and learn more about Juan Santamaria and why he is famous.Visited May 2015Written November 21, 2015
- Phil JBuda, Texas168 contributionsExcellent synopsis of the war for Costa Rican independenceCosta Rica was invaded by mercenaries, hoping to enslave the people and gain admittance into the United States. The Costa Rican people rose up to expel the bastards, and this museum goes into great detail about that struggle, and many other aspects of Costa Rican life. It's free, you just sign in at the guard desk. The toilets in the public restrooms have been stripped of their toilet seats, for some reason, both men's and women'sVisited September 2019Written September 18, 2019
- Cathleen BCairns, Australia95 contributionsnot worth itThis Museum was undergoing remodeling and there was very little to see. I also almost got clobbered by a rope a guy dropped down out of an attic from a ladder. I was glad it was free. I do not recommend whatsoever.Visited November 2016Traveled soloWritten November 23, 2016
- jannelupitaDolores, Colorado78 contributionsInterestingI really learned a lot here- not just about Juan Santamaria but they provide an in depth history of the context of the battle at Rivas. Who knew that a US lawyer and his "filibusters" could have such an impact on Central American history. walker wanted to turn the region into a slave colony- no wonder they are so proud of his defeat! There's a great piece on the US policy of "manifest destiny" and a lot of interesting objects including swords, bayonets, and rifles used in the US civil war. Definitely worth a visit if you want to know more about Costa Rica than "pura vida" jungles and beaches...Visited July 2016Traveled as a coupleWritten August 10, 2016
- 2IslandhandsMarco Island, Florida41 contributionsIt's free to go see..... Interesting History of Costa RicaDid you know? who tried to claim Costa Rica during the US Civil War? Well, go visit & enjoy the time to understand why Costa Rica is a beautiful Place. Plenty of information on the culture... plan on a few hours, then walk to the park or market for a cup of coffee or ice cream.Visited November 2015Traveled with friendsWritten May 24, 2016
- MartyJean BLakewood, Ohio101 contributionsHistory not taught in the U.S.We had a bit of difficulty because the electricity was off at the museum so we had to get flashlights. A lot of the explanations are only in Spanish which added to the challenge. However, the story of how a U.S. citizen tried to take over Central American countries in order to profit from slavery was news to me. It's a nicely laid out museum, right on the very busy square in Alajuela.Visited March 2016Written March 24, 2016
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
188 reviews
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Type-A-Mother
Colorado84 contributions
Mar 2016 • Solo
The day I visited the museum was free for some reason. There are some very official men upon entering that describe the rules (no flash photos, drinks, food) of the museum and have you sign in.
It was a good place to escape the noise and heat of the square. Some signs in English which was surprising because very few people speak English in this city.
It was a good place to escape the noise and heat of the square. Some signs in English which was surprising because very few people speak English in this city.
Written March 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MissDCWilson
Costa Rica455 contributions
May 2015
Over the last few years the Costa Rican government has changed his teaching curriculum and Juan Santamaria is no longer a hero. Yet, this cultural museum stands and reminds the public of the famous battle that took place near the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. A crazy guy from the US, William Walker figured he could take over every country in Central America and make his own. Of course he fought with his own army and the rest of the story is right at this museum in Alajuela. Go ahead, visit this museum and learn more about Juan Santamaria and why he is famous.
Written November 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil J
Buda, TX168 contributions
Sep 2019
Costa Rica was invaded by mercenaries, hoping to enslave the people and gain admittance into the United States. The Costa Rican people rose up to expel the bastards, and this museum goes into great detail about that struggle, and many other aspects of Costa Rican life. It's free, you just sign in at the guard desk. The toilets in the public restrooms have been stripped of their toilet seats, for some reason, both men's and women's
Written September 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathleen B
Cairns, Australia95 contributions
Nov 2016 • Solo
This Museum was undergoing remodeling and there was very little to see. I also almost got clobbered by a rope a guy dropped down out of an attic from a ladder. I was glad it was free. I do not recommend whatsoever.
Written November 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jannelupita
Dolores, CO78 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
I really learned a lot here- not just about Juan Santamaria but they provide an in depth history of the context of the battle at Rivas. Who knew that a US lawyer and his "filibusters" could have such an impact on Central American history. walker wanted to turn the region into a slave colony- no wonder they are so proud of his defeat! There's a great piece on the US policy of "manifest destiny" and a lot of interesting objects including swords, bayonets, and rifles used in the US civil war. Definitely worth a visit if you want to know more about Costa Rica than "pura vida" jungles and beaches...
Written August 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2Islandhands
Marco Island, FL41 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
Did you know? who tried to claim Costa Rica during the US Civil War? Well, go visit & enjoy the time to understand why Costa Rica is a beautiful Place. Plenty of information on the culture... plan on a few hours, then walk to the park or market for a cup of coffee or ice cream.
Written May 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MartyJean B
Lakewood, OH101 contributions
Mar 2016
We had a bit of difficulty because the electricity was off at the museum so we had to get flashlights. A lot of the explanations are only in Spanish which added to the challenge. However, the story of how a U.S. citizen tried to take over Central American countries in order to profit from slavery was news to me. It's a nicely laid out museum, right on the very busy square in Alajuela.
Written March 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jkatz15
Palo Alto, CA14 contributions
Jul 2015
For a free exhibit it's fine. There are well-kept exhibits about the political history of Costa Rica on the ground floor, with some of the signs in English. It's not worth going far out of your way to visit, but is a fine place to wander around for a few minutes if you're in the area already. There were a couple small exhibits on the second floor with some very contemporary paintings, which I believe were temporary exhibits, and may be enjoyable if you're into that.
Written July 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jolen6
Central Oregon, OR203 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
Very nice museum, lots of interesting displays and information about Costa Rican history. Great way to start your trip and learn about the country
Written July 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jude K
Chicago, IL11 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
This is a wonderful free museum across from the Parque Central in Alajuela. There is a permanent exhibit that provides a great overview of the history of Costa Rica. The traveling exhibits change regularly and are representative of the culture of Costa Rica. A "must see" if you have some time in downtown Alajuela.
Written May 31, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guiños del 56
Rairy P
Costa Rica116 contributions
Cual seria la consulta?
miamibeachhumanbeing
Miami Beach, FL42 contributions
Hello! I'm only in town for a few hours before shuttling to Monteverde --- can I come in with rolling luggage?
Canadians2Ottawa
Ottawa3 contributions
I would think so however there is a security guard at the door when you enter worst case you could probably leave it with him
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Claim your listingJuan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum
- Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum is open:
- Tue - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- We recommend booking Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum:
- (0.05 mi) ALAJUELA CITY Hotel & Guest House
- (0.12 mi) Hotel Pacande B&B
- (0.07 mi) Family Friendly Mountain Getaway With Stunning Views
- (0.06 mi) Mountain Top Resort
- (0.07 mi) Hotel Tucan Alajuela
- Restaurants near Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum:
- (0.07 mi) Rosti - Plaza Real Alajuela
- (0.13 mi) Jalapenos Central
- (0.13 mi) El Chante Vegano
- (0.09 mi) Cevichitos
- (0.07 mi) Caribbean Food Garage
Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum Information
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