Cartago Museums and Art Galleries

(Cartago, Costa Rica)

Cartago has a handful of museums and the odd art gallery, although is nothing on par with San Jose. Most of these cultural attractions are on the theme of religion, or are indeed contained within churches, and thus are generally free to enter.

The Elias Leiva Museum of Ethnography (Elias Leiva Museo de Etnografia) is perhaps the most noteworthy in Cartago. Not just for its exhibits, but also for the building in which it resides, the San Luis Gonzaga College (Colegio San Luis Gonzaga). For art, the Our Senora del Pilar Religious Museum (Nuestra Senora del Pilar Museo Religioso) has an interesting gallery, as does the Religious Art Museum (Museo de Arte Religioso) in nearby Paraiso - just ten minutes to the south-east.

Elias Leiva Museum of Ethnography (Elias Leiva Museo de Etnografia)

Address: Colegio San Luis Gonzaga, Calle 3, Between Avenida 3 and Avenida 5, Cartago, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 2551 0895
The Elias Leiva Museum of Ethnography is sited right in the city centre, near to the KFC fast-food restaurant, being a real must for culture-vultures. Although only having a few exhibits, it contains much information relating to the colonial days, with its many artefacts, and also covers the pre-Columbian era. The Elias Leiva Museo de Etnografia resides within the Colegio San Luis Gonsaga, although is only open for part of the day - morning to early afternoon. A good point of reference is the neighbouring Hospital Max Peralta, which lies just a matter of metres to the south. Also close by is the Plaza Yglesias and the Casa Ferreteria.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 07:00 to 14:00
Admission: free

Kirieti Indian History Museum (India Kirieti Museo de Historia)

Address: Tobosi, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 2573 7113
Situated in nearby Tobosi, just a short distance to the south-west, is the interesting Kirieti Indian History Museum. If you are heading out that way, this attraction is definitely worth a look, since it contains several well executed displays clearly showcasing the past lives of the Kirieti Indians. Exhibits include some impressive old photographs and a variety of documentation.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Our Senora del Pilar Religious Museum (Nuestra Senora del Pilar Museo Religioso)

Address: La Iglesia de Tres Rios, Cartago, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 2229 5109
Located on the southern corner of the Tres Rios Church (La Iglesia de Tres Rios) is this interesting museum-cum-art gallery. Established in 1977, this exhibition venue has deservedly become one of the top galleries in the city, being home to dozens of religious paintings and images. The place is also riddled with incense burners and glasses, giving it a distinctive ethereal feel.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 11:00, 15:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Religious Art Museum (Museo de Arte Religioso)

Address: Paraiso, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 2533 3051
Situated in the neighbouring town of Paraiso is the Religious Art Museum of San Jose de Orosi. This notable 'museo' resides in the Orosi Church, which itself is an attractive edifice from the 1600s and reveals some interesting architecture from colonial times. Exhibits here include a variety of items and religious relics, most of which date from this period.
Open hours: daily - 13:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Ujarras Religious History Museum (Ujarras Museo de Historia Religiosa)

Address: Paraiso, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 2574 7376
The Museo Historico Religioso de Ujarras is to be found in nearby Paraiso, directly to the east of Cartago, and covers the religious history of central Costa Rica. This cultural highlight is located on Highway 10, right in the town, and can be found within the local church here. Access to the museum is easy from the main street. Day trippers should bear in mind that Paraiso serves as something of a gateway to the Orosi Valley.
Open hours: Thursday to Sunday - 14:00 to 18:00
Admission: free