What is the cultural scene in Costa Rica? Are there theatres and concert halls?

There are many small playhouses and theatres throughout the country. In the capital city of San Jose is the National Theater of Costa Rica. It was built in a neo-classic architecture under the direction of an Italian engineer and took 7 years to build. It was funded by the coffee tax, that was the biggest export at that time.

The National Theater is one of the most beautiful buildings in Costa Rica with great importance both culturally and historically. The National Theater opened to the public on 21 October 1897 with a performance of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust and quickly became the “National Jewel” of the country.

The Theater is open from Tuesday through Sunday, 9am to 4pm for tours and often you can watch the practices or catch a matinee performance. Entrance fee is nominal and free for children under the age of 12.

A tour through the Theater is worthwhile and the art and the architecture are captivating.

Does Costa Rica Have a National Museum?

Yes, the National Museum of Costa Rica in San Jose. After the collapse of Republic of Central America and the independence of Costa Rica (Rich Coast) in 1838, the progressive government reorganized the national culture by means of changes in education and development of institutions with cultural and scientific purposes.

Under the watch of President Bernardo Soto, on May 4, 1887, the Museum opened its doors. The Museums focus was and continue to be education and research and defence of cultural and natural heritage.

The Museum has dwelled in four different locations throughout San Jose. After the abolishment of the army, in 1949 the Bellavista Headquarters – commandants quarters, troop dormitory, military academy and an armoury – one of the most important buildings in San Jose, in 1950, the Museum has made it its permanent home.

The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday 9:00 am to 4:30. Entrance fee is nominal and free for children under the age of 12.

Plan on spending a few hours at the Museum, since it is quite extensive and a must to see.

What’s the significance of the Ox Cart?

The Ox Cart is a National Symbol of Labor in Costa Rica.

The cart was used as a means of transportation across the country. In the 1840s when commerce was introduced to Costa Rica and coffee was the main product that was exported, at that time to England for distribution throughout Europe, the ox cart was used to transport the coffee to the ports. Often the journey took a couple of weeks.

The carts were guided by a person, named oxherd, who not only guided the 2 oxen and the cargo but was responsible for tending to the oxen and maintaining the cart. Historically, they represent the perseverance and persistence of the Costa Rican people.

In the early twentieth century, the carts were painted with local designs as a means of identification of the origin of each cart. As this phenomenon grew, the art became more distinct with more designs, flora, fauna and portraits and became a symbol of pride for the ox herder and his region. To this day, there are annual contests of the artwork displayed on the ox carts.

In March 1988, the ox cart became the National Symbol of Labor of Costa Rica. Many of the coffee plantations still use the ox-cart during the harvest.

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