san-jose.cr

Perhaps one of “golden” attractions within the large museum compound of our capital city, comprising the largest collection of objects by which material its name was crafted: Oro(gold).

It consists of about 1600 pieces of pre-Columbian gold, dating from 500 to 1500 AD and divided in two levels: The Introductory Section on the second floor exposing an interpretation of the social and cultural evolution of our native cultures, and on the third floor, the Gold Pieces Exhibition.

The Central Bank of Costa Rica initially begun the arduous task of collecting the various pieces between the years of 1950 to 1974, and as the collection grew it was clear that a Museum needed be built specifically for the hosting of the much greater show.

The permanent museum’s construction was expensive, perhaps so much so it can be compared to that of the National Theater, located in the subterranean base of the Plaza de la Cultura. By 1983 it also was employed in the showcasing of several temporary expositions, and by 1985 it is officially inaugurated as the “Alvaro Vargas Echeverri Pre-Columbian Gold Museum”.

The museum presents several specialized shows for tourists; one such show called the “Noche de Oro” (Golden Night) in which tourists are guided through the precincts by bilingual guides, autochthonous music is played for the visitors and precious souvenirs are granted as gifts. Overall, several such programs are offered with many different angles of study for those interested in Costa Rica’s ancient history.

Important FAQs

-The Museum opens Monday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. On Wednesdays on the first day of each month free entrance is permitted by nationals and tourists with ID.

-The entry fee is of 9 USD for international visitors, 4.5 USD for foreign students and 1500 colones for nationals with ID. Local students may access for free with ID.

-Location: Beneath the great esplanade of the Plaza de la Cultura, between the Central Avenue and 2^nd Street. San Jose, CR.  

(this article has been written with the aid of the Museo de Oro Precolombino’s Official Website http://www.museosdelbancocentral.org/contenido/articles/5/1/Informacion-General/Paacuteginas1.html)