The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, also known as Museo del Oro Precolombino, is a historical, archaeological, and cultural museum located in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. It is situated in an underground building beneath the Plaza de la Cultura, in the heart of the city. This museum is home to collections belonging to the Central Bank of Costa Rica.
The museum houses an extraordinary collection of gold objects reflecting the worldview, social structure, and goldsmithing of the pre-Columbian peoples who occupied the current Costa Rican territory. The exhibition displays the use and function of the pieces, the technology, as well as the relationship with nature and the daily life of these human groups.
The museum has an archaeological collection of 3,567 pre-Columbian artifacts including 1,922 ceramic objects, 1,586 gold pieces, 46 stone objects, 4 jade, and 9 glass or bead items. The gold collection dates from 300-400 BC to 1550 AD. The pre-Columbian objects come from different geographical regions of the country: vessels in various forms, objects, statues, and utensils in ceramic and stone, used in the daily and ceremonial life of the peoples.
History & Anthropology Archaeology Historic house
Monday | 9:15 – 17:00 |
Tuesday | 9:15 – 17:00 |
Wednesday | 9:15 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 9:15 – 17:00 |
Friday | 9:15 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 9:15 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 9:15 – 17:00 |
Calle 5, San José
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Pre-Columbian Gold Museum has 1 rating.
The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in San José, Costa Rica, is a highly regarded institution that showcases an impressive collection of gold artifacts from the pre-Columbian era. Visitors often praise the museum for its well-organized exhibits and the quality of its displays. The museum provides a comprehensive look at the history and cultural significance of gold in ancient Costa Rican societies.
Many reviewers appreciate the museum's informative approach, with detailed explanations in both Spanish and English accompanying each exhibit. The artifacts on display, ranging from intricate jewelry to ceremonial objects, are frequently described as stunning and well-preserved. The museum's layout is generally considered user-friendly, allowing for a smooth and engaging visitor experience.
Some visitors note that the museum is relatively small, which can be seen as both a positive and a negative. While it means the museum can be thoroughly explored in a couple of hours, some may feel it leaves them wanting more. A few reviewers mention that the entrance fee is a bit high compared to other attractions in San José, but most find the experience worth the cost.
The museum's location in the heart of San José is often cited as convenient, making it easily accessible for tourists. The building itself, situated underground beneath a plaza, is noted for its modern design and good use of space.
While the primary focus is on gold artifacts, the museum also includes sections on Costa Rica's currency and pre-Columbian history, which adds depth to the overall experience. However, a small number of visitors feel that these additional sections are not as engaging as the main gold exhibits.
Overall, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is widely recommended as an educational and visually impressive attraction that offers valuable insights into Costa Rica's ancient cultures and their goldsmithing techniques.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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