This museum covered everything we wanted to see - a great overview to Costa Rica's history. The entry is through a butterfly garden and leads into the main square. We got a great glimpse into Costa Rica's history in about 2 hrs. From stone age, pre-Colombian, gold jewelry, 1800's...leisurely and not crowded.
Real nice butterfly garden as you enter, then spacious and well displayed stone age and pre columbian exhibits. Real good stone work and gold ornaments. Bunch of native animal displays, nice interior courtyard gardens, good explanatory descriptions in English and Spanish.
We went here expecting to see some cool stuff and for the most part the tour goes like this: spend lots of time hanging with the butterflies and being weirded out by their rolling/un-rolling tongues. Spend a few minutes walking around the different exhibits, which there was ~5 when we were there. And then, afterwards, be somewhat unimpressed. The exhibits they do have are way spaced out and do not follow too much order. Some have English translation and then in the middle of the exhibit the English translation stops for no apparent reason. Some of the stuff you wonder where it came from. But you'll like the view from the top which has great views of the mountains, if you're lucky enough you'll find the part of the place that has the commanders quarters (from when it was a barracks) and that's neat. But overall, interesting but somewhat unimpressive.
Interesting setting inside former fort with walls pockmarked with bulletholes. Displays of beautiful pre Columbian gold. Interesting dioramas of rural life. Pleasant spot to learn about this country's history.
Building has historical significance and is well maintained. The butterfly garden is a pleasant bonus but the actual exhibits are limited.
The exhibits gave a good overview of pre-columbian art and culture. There was also a small gold display (a teaser for the gold museum, perhaps?) Some of the other displays, like the history of the museum building were probably of more interest to Costa Rican citizens than they were to us.
Rarely do we disagree with the majority of TA reviews. An rarely do we write negative reviews. This is one of those exceptions. Half the museum's exhibition space is empty. What displays there are, are of poor quality. English language signage is lacking. Most disappointing is that major segments of Costa Rican history and culture are missing, i.e. coffee, environmental protection, the history of earthquakes. There are some displays regarding pre-Columbian history and artifacts, but the nearby Gold Museum is far superior in this subject.
This historic museum is a must-visit stop for anyone interested in the history of Costa Rica, archaeology, and Costa Rican culture. The restorations of the buildings were done with much care and they hold many pleasant surprises, such as the colonial time rooms, rotating art exhibits, a gorgeous inner garden, and a spectacular archaeological collection on exhibit. The entrance through a fantastic and expansive butterfly garden is worth the visit alone. Prices are very comfortable, even for tourists, and there are days when entrance is free.The location is close to the downtown area, with many secure parking options, shipping and dining places to chose. It is within walking distance to the National Theater and other important landmarks.
We were lucky enough to be there on a free day. The museum is unique a former prison. It has a butterfly garden and many interesting exhibits.
The museum is a little out of the way in a somewhat seedy neighborhood but just jump into a cab and they'll drop you off at the front door. I have attended a number of shows there and never been disappointed. The shows also attracted a young hip crowd that could have been found attending a show in larger more art centered cities elsewhere.