San Jose Art Galleries

(San Jose, Costa Rica)

There are a selection of very appealing art galleries awaiting visitors to San Jose. The Museo de Arte Costarricense is one such gallery in San Jose and often simply goes by the name of 'El MAC', actively working to both preserve and promote the rich arts heritage of Costa Rica.

The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design also comes highly recommended in San Jose and is conveniently located close to a number of further cultural attractions, which include two theatres and also the Ministry of Culture. For a taster of some of the very best graphic arts on offer in Latin America, then checking out the Barrio Amon's very own Ocelote Gallery is a must.

National Centre of Art and Culture

Address: Calle 13 between Avenues 3 and 5, San Jose, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 257 9370
Showcasing artworks by both Central American and Costa Rican artists, this cultural centre should not be overlooked by art fans. Also to be found at the National Centre of Art and Culture are frequent international temporary exhibits.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 11:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discount for students, seniors and under 12s free

Museo de Arte Costarricense - El MAC (Museum of Costa Rican Art)

Address: Calle 42 y Paseo Colon, Parque Metropolitano de La Sabana, San Jose, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 222 7155
Visitors to the Museo de Arte Costarricense will discover a large and impressive national collection numbering around 3,000 individual works of art, which range from paintings, photos, drawings, sculptures and wood carvings. Regular events and concerts are often staged within the museum's Gold Room (El Salon Dorado), so do check the calendar to see if anything of interest is taking place here during your Costa Rican holiday.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Museo de Arte y Diseno Contemporáneo (Museum of Contemporary Art and Design)

Address: Avenida 3 between Calle 15 / 17, Antigua Fábrica Nacional de Licores, San Jose, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 257 9370
The city's acclaimed Museum of Contemporary Art and Design is known both local Costa Ricans as the Museo de Arte y Diseno Contemporáneo, and has become of the San Jose's leading art galleries. Art installations and exhibits are ever-changing and featured artists come from all around the world. Local artists from Costa Rica are always encouraged here.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge, free on Mondays

Galeria Ocelote (Ocelote Gallery)

Address: Avenida 11, San Jose, Costa Rica, CR
Just a stone's throw from the Barcelo Amon Plaza Hotel and located along between the Calle 5 and the Calle 7, the Galeria Ocelote was founded to showcase the rich graphic arts of Latin America, as well as various handicrafts from all over Costa Rica. The Galeria Ocelote contains a large and permanent collection of art works, with featured artists including names like Fernando Carballo and Carlos Vargas, amongst others. This is also a good place to come for a quality souvenir of your holiday, with an array of local arts and crafts for sale here.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (Museo de Arte y Diseno Contemporáneo)

Address: Avenida 3, San Jose, Costa Rica, CR
Tel: +506 257 7202
Situated within the mid-19th century National Liquor factory, the Museo de Arte y Diseno Contemporáneo features an array of galleries, theatres and well-stocked libraries. Founded in 1994, the museum is generally known as simply the MADC and contains a wealth of Costa Rican and Central American pieces. In total there are four main exhibition galleries, along with the open-air Pila de la Melaza space used for large installations and scheduled performances. There are also a number of rotating exhibitions staged here throughout the year, adding further interest. Of note, guided tours can be arranged if required.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge