san-jose.cr
“Huaquerismo” is the term locally used to describe the searching and digging of native-Costarican objects of pre-Columbian origin conducted by unscrupulous and disenfranchised individuals or groups with pseudo-intellectual or no cultural goals whatsoever. In wanting to fight this harmful activity, the National Insurance Institute (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) made it its premise to host a permanent exhibition of donated pieces which would boost a larger and safer ideology of cultural patrimony.
On October 31st 1977, the Institute officially inaugurates the Jade Museum, calling it originally the “Archeological Collection of the National Insurance Institute”; later and during 1980, started by decree, the former becomes what we know now as the Museo de Jade “Jade Museum”, and it is located beneath the main precincts of the Institute’s Headquarters.
Apart from Jade, many other materials are consistent foundation of its varied collection: ceramics, stone, gold, wood, bone and others. It must be declared that during its conception and for historical reasons, the aesthetics prevailed over the daily used intended. Over 7000 pieces embody the entire expose.
The fields that this very Organization had to take under its wing grew: anthropology, geology, the arts and the ethno-musical also joined in common study. The Museum has put special interest in showcasing the works of national artists that contribute to broaden the already large selection.
Important FAQs:
-The Museum opens Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
-The entry fee is 1,000 colones for Nationals and 7 USD for foreigners. Free entrance provided for students.
-Location: lower floor of INS Headquarters, Batween 9-11 streets and 7-9 Avenues. San Jose, CR.