Museo del Oro
If you like history or culture a trip to the Museo del Oro - Gold Musuem in San Jose is a perfect way to experience both. It is located below the Plaza de la Cultura - Cultural Plaza at Avenida Central and Calle Treis - Central Avenue and Third Street. The National Theater is next door and definitely is worth viewing. Our walk down from the bus terminal was interesting and fun. Avenida Central is closed to traffic through much of this area and it beams with people shopping, street vendors, flower markets and some very interesting buildings.
Upon entering the museum entrance I noticed the beautiful architecture. It is quite amazing with it's large circular stairway lined with a wood slab handrail polished to a glimmering shine. The floors throughout are all made of wood, different varieties put together like parquet.
The many displays show artifacts back as far as 500 BC and up to 1600 AD. The displays are well lit making viewing easy and all have very detailed descriptions both in Spanish and English. It really was a glimpse back in time and an education of the indigenous groups that lived in Costa Rica.
Also included in the entrance with a small display of the history of the money in Costa Rica and some of it's battles to remain a separate country. Interesting I thought considering now that it doesn't even have a military, banning it in 1949. The use of "coffee tokens" instead of money also was a historical tidbit I enjoyed. When official money became scarce, workers were paid with them and could use them at the plantation stores or businesses associated with it. Quite often the value related to the number of baskets of coffee picked by the worker.
Entrance Fee: c3500 - $7.00 for non-resident
Upon entering the museum entrance I noticed the beautiful architecture. It is quite amazing with it's large circular stairway lined with a wood slab handrail polished to a glimmering shine. The floors throughout are all made of wood, different varieties put together like parquet.
The many displays show artifacts back as far as 500 BC and up to 1600 AD. The displays are well lit making viewing easy and all have very detailed descriptions both in Spanish and English. It really was a glimpse back in time and an education of the indigenous groups that lived in Costa Rica.
Also included in the entrance with a small display of the history of the money in Costa Rica and some of it's battles to remain a separate country. Interesting I thought considering now that it doesn't even have a military, banning it in 1949. The use of "coffee tokens" instead of money also was a historical tidbit I enjoyed. When official money became scarce, workers were paid with them and could use them at the plantation stores or businesses associated with it. Quite often the value related to the number of baskets of coffee picked by the worker.
Entrance Fee: c3500 - $7.00 for non-resident
Sweeping spiral staircase connects the floors of the museum
Grinding Tables from between 500 BC to 500 AD
Book of Historical Facts
Gold Disks and Necklaces often denoted class or position of person in the tribe
Some are intricate in design, some quite simple
Some are intricate in design, some quite simple
Small, very detailed gold artifacts depicting animals and birds
A Costa Rican Warrior
Overview of part of museum display area, notice the floor and ceiling
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