Museums in San Jose
THE 10 BEST San Jose Museums
Museums in San Jose
Category types
Museums
Awards
Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
Traveler rating
Good for
27 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums
Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums
Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums
Art Galleries
Art Galleries
Art Galleries
Art Galleries
Art Galleries
Art Galleries
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Speciality Museums
Art Galleries
Art Galleries
Art Galleries
What travelers are saying
- SimbaSaint Louis, MO55 contributionsThis museum is a must see not only to learn history of Costa Rica, but appreciate the art and skill of indigenous people. Museum itself is an architectural wonder placed under ground. Lots of activities for kids. Thank you for creating such a great place to learn and enjoy!Written August 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Edwin FCalgary, Canada1,745 contributionsFive of us went to the Museo Nacional De Costa Rica. A little expensive, but most things in Costa Rica are, but we had an interesting visit.Written August 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jazmin P4 contributionsThe Jade Museum is a must visit location if you visit San Jose City. There are many indigenous mesoamerican jade art pieces, carving tools, and ceramics to admire. There is also an exhibit on Costa Rican fauna. The museum has five floors, with two exhibits on each side from floors 2-4 and one final exhibit on floor 5. Overall a culturally enriching experience unique to San Jose City.Written June 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jazmin P4 contributionsThe Costa Rican Art Museum in La Sabana is free so definitely check it out! There is a sculpture garden, an indoor exhibit, and the Golden Room which is a room designed from bronze to depict Costa Rican history. Once you’re done you can walk around the National Soccer Stadium Park or head out to the center of San Jose City.Written June 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- loubob155Trinidad, CA5 contributionsIf you are looking for a high end art souvenir from Costa Rica, this is the place. Small, but well curated. Conall was very well informed about the art works featured.Written February 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LenH0647Garrison, NY21 contributionsIt was excellent with 2 qualifiers. It is really for younger kids (8 or under) and most of the exhibitions are in Spainish although many of the guides speak EnglishWritten August 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LnihiserDunedin, FL180 contributionsI’ve been to a lot of different museums, but this one is definitely very different. It has a variety of local art which shows the history of Costa Rica. I would definitely recommend everyone taking the time to go there. It doesn’t cost anything, but I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised, and in awe of the artwork that they have.Written August 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LMA212014Los Angeles, CA17 contributionsIf you are looking for the unique souvenir, this is a MUST place to shop. It is a bit of challenge to find because it's so small but so worth the effort! The guys at the shop were so helpful in describing all the local crafts by region! This is a Free Trade shop which is great to support. I found a hand painted vessel, made from the outside of a local fruit. I collect Christmas ornaments from places we visit and this is one I will be using to remind me of Costa Rica.Written May 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- StephenCrossDublin, Ireland30,976 contributionsFree admission to the museum of contemporary art. It’s an interesting building. We did not get to the area upstairs which was a pity.Written April 9, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- nzkiwi99auckland110 contributionsProbably one of my favourite places on the planet. Please - never change this museum. Don't upgrade it!
It truly is a wonderful treasure, and has bought me immense joy.Written August 5, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Stefan GWashington DC, DC1,078 contributionsThere are many artifacts, but as another reviewer pointed out, perhaps too many of the same kind. It gets a little redundant after a while. Nonetheless, it's a nice museum. Clean. Organized. Well laid out. Pleasant way to spend a couple hours, checking out some interesting geological, archeological items, plus the large jade collection.Written July 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JotumKnoxville, TN1,512 contributionsNow a small museum, this was the house of a previous president who was a medical doctor and social reformer of Costa Rica. Not a lot to see, but interesting for a few minutes and the Russian embassy is across the street.Written February 26, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- poodledoopMA370 contributionsGreat little modern art museum in an old alcoholic drinks factory. The galleries are worth seeing for both the art and the facility.Written August 12, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- bighackSan Miguel de Allende, Mexico81 contributionsThis is a low tech but fantastic museum, with beautiful specimens and a lot of information (mostly Spanish) on all kinds of bugs. The staff was super helpful and showed us their lab room with lots of living (and creepy) insects. The museum is hidden in the basement of the UCR Music building, and well worth a visit.Written January 14, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- piriotStresa, Italy617 contributionsThis used to be the main building of the old airport. Wonderful building, lovely art both in and out of the venue. We just loved this.Written December 28, 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
