Costa Rica is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and breathtaking natural wonders. But Costa Rica has other attractions such as museums and art galleries to make any vacation special.

If you were to travel to Costa Rica though looking for an educational and informative vacation, there is plenty for you to see. The Museo de Oro Precolombino or Museum of Precolumbian Gold is located in downtown San Jose. In this underground bunker style building you will find many golden pieces that are hung up by transparent wires. Appearing as if floating in space, many of the pieces are types of animals like snakes, birds, and frogs. Some of the pieces have a dark feel to them as well. The Museo de Moneda or Coin Museum is also located there and houses a collection of Costa Rican coins. Any coin lover would enjoy it.

The Museo de Jade, or the Jade Museum is another popular and impressive museum in Costa Rica. This museum is home to the largest American jade collection in the world. Here you will find jade artifacts from 500 B.C. to A.D. 800. Some of the pieces are even in the shapes of animals. There is also a large collection of Pre-Colombian vases and bowls.

If you like the outdoors, the Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle, or Natural History Museum is a don’t miss on your Costa Rica vacations. This museum houses a collection of insects such as the butterfly as well as exhibits on paleontology and archaeology. There are also taxidermy animals on display.

If it is art you are interested in viewing during your vacations to Costa Rica, the The Museo de Arte Costarricense is a must see. Although small, it is home to a wide range of styles from various Costa Rican artists. In it you will find sculptures, fine paintings and prints. Be sure to head out side and check out the sculpture garden.

The Museo Nacional de Costa Rica or National Museum is Costa Rica’s most important historical museum. Located in a former army barrack from the Civil War of 1948, this museum is home to items from Pre-Colombian times to the present day. You might find items like hand-carved jade pieces to etchings made by men.

So remember, Costa Rica might be known for its beautiful natural wonders but there is plenty of other things there to make vacations enjoyable.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 at 10:13 pm and is filed under Culture. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.