Central America
Costa Rica
Province of Alajuela
Alajuela
Things to Do in Alajuela
Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum

Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum, Alajuela: Hours, Address, Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum Reviews: 4.5/5

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Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum

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See all things to do
Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum
4.5
182
#5 of 28 things to do in Alajuela
Speciality Museums • History Museums
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
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
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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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Popular mentions
4.5
182 reviews
Excellent
82
Very good
67
Average
31
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Phil G
London, UK36 contributions
Free museum entry
Jul 2021
If 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.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Susan B
Perkinsville, VT11 contributions
great free musuem
Jan 2020
The historical culture museum carries one through the steps of Costa Rican political leadership development. The building is also a piece of history in itself. A walk on the roof level reveals a view of the city and images of what guard service may have been like.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brad O
Washington DC, DC43 contributions
Real Appreciation of CR history
Nov 2019
Walking through the doors evokes the history of CR, and the rooms are filled with more history of the country that helped me deepen my appreciation for Costa Rica beyond eco-tourism.
Written December 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
PurpleBandit
Miami, FL11 contributions
Great FREE museum that highlights the history of Costa Rica
Aug 2019
If you only have an hour in downtown, Alajuela, try this museum. It's free and has well designed, informative, exhibits that tell the history of Costa Rica.
Written September 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Phil J
Buda, TX168 contributions
Excellent synopsis of the war for Costa Rican independence
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.
George B
11 contributions
Very interesting!
Feb 2019
We aren't fans of San Jose and try to stay out of the big city. However, there are a few sites in San Jose that are worth the trip. This museum is one of those sites. Spend an hour or two learning the history and culture of this amazing country.
Written March 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
matthewbe42
Montezuma, Costa Rica48 contributions
Interesting museum
Nov 2018 • Solo
Definitely worth checking out if you have time to kill in Alajuela. Small, interesting museum. Exhibits are very well done. About half is translated to English, so you definitely miss a lot if you don't speak Spanish. But still worth visiting, especially since it's free. Museum staff was super friendly and helpful.
Written December 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WorldTvlerParker_CO
Parker, CO849 contributions
Great little museum AND it’s free!
Nov 2018 • Family
Much of th information is in English and Spanish so worth it. Lots of great depictions if the wars and conflicts for not only Costa Rica but for its northern neighbor as well. Several halls with information and artifacts from historical times.
Written November 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gretchen T
Alajuela, Costa Rica6 contributions
Great museum to visit
Jul 2018 • Couples
In central Alajuela, this history museum is not sufficiently well-known. It is free and offers important events in Costa Rican history as well as exhibits of contemporary Costa Rican artists. I just wrote a review of Jalapanos, a great restaurant only two blocks away. A perfect outing: Juan Santamaria Museum followed by lunch at Jalapenos.
Written August 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
gigi1322017
London, UK54 contributions
Nice place
Mar 2018 • Solo
A good place to spend about an hour. A great insight into the history. Not all the info is translated into English though.
Written March 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum
Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum is open:
  • Tue - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
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 2 Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum tours on Tripadvisor