Centro Nacional de la Cultura (CENAC), San Jose

This National Center for Arts and Culture is one of the most impressive venues in town. It takes up a whole city block and is crammed full of wonderful things to see. It is located in the building that used to house the National Liquor Factory of San Jose, Costa Rica. Now, as well as housing several performing arts centers and the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, it also acts as the offices for the Cultural Ministry of the country.

This museum houses some of the finest contemporary art from the best of Costa Rican artists. Yet, some of the permanent collection includes the works of Jose Cuevas and Oswaldo Guayasamin from Equador, so you will not just find the art of the country here.

The Centro Nacional de Arte y Cultura is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Seniors and children under the age of 11 can get in for free. It will be a hard deal to beat, as you will be able to spend hours here learning about the art and culture of this exotic Central American country.

Tip:
Check what the museum is showing before you go, as expositions change frequently, but you will hardly regret it since this is by far one of the museums that you should know if you are in San José.