Bellavista’s National Museum

The story behind the place

Costa Rica’s National Museum occupies the former Bellavista Barracks in San José. A building once associated with military life now holds collections about the country’s cultural and natural history. Its yellow frontage, small crenellated turrets and broad divided staircase make the entrance especially recognisable. The museum presents a longer view of Costa Rica, from pre-Columbian communities to more recent history. Look for the two round turrets framing the raised doorway and the stairs climbing towards it.

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