Puerto Limon Museums

(Puerto Limon, Limon, Costa Rica)

Apart from Puerto Limon's Ethno Historic Museum, most of Costa Rica's museums and cultural offerings are found in the country's capital, San Jose, which is situated some 168 km / 104 miles from Puerto Limon and to the west.

The majority of the many museums in San Jose concentrate on the ethnic and mineral wealth of Latin America in general, and Costa Rica in particular. They are just about close enough to make a day trip possible, if something in particular catches your eye.

Ethno Historic Museum (Museo Ethnohistorico de Limon)

Address: Calle 4, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 758 3903
Set in an attractive colonial building and known locally as the Museo Ethnohistorico de Limon, the Ethno Historic Museum is easy to find, being just a matter of minutes from the south-western corner of the Central Market and located on Calle 4, between Avenue 1 and Avenue 2. Recently renovated and occupying the second floor of the city's Post Office building, this interesting attraction clearly documents local culture and history in all its glory, with various exhibits of themed Afro-Caribbean artefacts from diverse sections of the community over many years.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

San Jose Jade Museum (Museo del Jade)

Address: Avenida 5-7, Calle 11-13, INS building, San Jose, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 223 5800
The magnificence of pre-Columbian jade carvings is known worldwide, and this museum has the world's largest collection of these ancient masterpieces, dating from 400 BC to 800 AD. The Museo del Jade is set within San Jose's massive National Insurance Building and resides on the 11th floor, where many valuable jade pendants and elaborately carved jade ornaments are displayed.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 15:30
Admission: charge

San Jose Gold Museum (Museo Oro Precolombino)

Address: Plaza de la Culture, San Jose, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 243 4202
San Jose's Gold Museum gives a comprehensive display of the pre-Columbian indigenous cultures' methods of processing and using gold. The displays are stunning, with hundreds of glittering artefacts spread out for all to see, the oldest of which are around 1,000 years old. Visitors to the Museo Oro Precolombino will be able to learn how the gold was once processed and used to create religious treasures. An onsite gift shop is available if you are looking to purchase souvenirs of your visit.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge

Costa Rica National Museum (Museo Nacional)

Address: Calle 17 / Avenida 2, San Jose, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 257 1433
The National Museum is a compact, but beautifully set out time machine, taking visitors from pre-Columbian cultures through colonial life and the Costa Rican industrial revolution up to the modern day. Located in San Jose's Old Fort, complete with bullet holes, the Museo Nacional also provides a viewing platform for visitors to enjoy, as well as a tranquil butterfly garden.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 08:30 - 16:00, Sunday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

More information about San Jose museums.