Founded in 1887, the National Museum occupies the Cuartel Bellavista — a fortress whose bullet-pocked exterior walls are a legacy of the 1948 civil war. Inside, the collection spans pre-Columbian archaeology, colonial history, and natural history. The butterfly garden in the central courtyard is a pleasant surprise. A good introduction to Costa Rican history before heading into the country.
National Museum
Costa Rican history in a bullet-scarred colonial fortress
| Address | Calle 17, Avenida 1–2, San José |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Mon–Sat 8:30–16:30, Sun 9:00–16:30 |