For the first time in its history, the Costa Rican Art Museum will remain open for the entire month of December, allowing visitors to admire its newly buffed luster throughout the holidays.
The historic neocolonial building – site of Costa Rica’s first international airport from 1940 to 1955 – recently underwent a roughly $1.3 million restoration that saw improvements made from floor to ceiling to electric system. The face-lift included a new script for a permanent exhibit of 150 Costa Rican works in seven exhibit rooms, each dedicated to a different historical period between the end of the 19th century to the present.
Museum visitors take in a Christmas tree made of hanging glass snowflakes.
Katie Onheiber | Tico Times
Visitors also can take in the “Tree of Living Water,” a Christmas tree of hanging glass snowflakes made by Costa Rican artists under the direction of Celita Ulate. The tree, which will remain on display through Jan. 6, represents the concept of “Christmas as a symbol of harmony, happiness and peace,” and “reminds us of the need to protect water as a vital element of nature,” according to museum literature.
The museum is on the east side of La Sabana Park in western San José. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For information, call 2256-1281 or 2296-4503, or visit www.musarco.go.cr.
