Yogarte: Art, yoga & meditation at the Costa Rican Art Museum

A healthy mind in a healthy body might well be among everyone’s New Year’s resolutions, so an initiative that combines art viewing with yoga and meditation sessions fits the bill perfectly.

The revamped, recently reopened Costa Rican Art Museum in western San José’s La Sabana Park is the venue for Yogarte, a novel concept that combines a guided visit of the museum and its artworks with a practical yoga class and meditation.

The events are being organized by experienced yoga instructors Nango Murray and Vanessa Cavallini and will take place about once every two months on Saturdays.

The schedule runs from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., starting with a guided tour to discover the architectural history of the building, formerly San José’s international airport. The tour will cover the works of many distinguished Costa Rican and international artists, including the sculpture garden with its contemporary and pre-Columbian pieces.

After the museum tour, an hour-and-a-half yoga practice is held in one of the galleries, or outside if weather permits, to the live sounds of mystic music played by instrumentalist Carlos “Tapado” Vargas. Participants then make their way in walking meditation to the celebrated Salón Dorado (Golden Hall) with its shining bronze bas-relief murals depicting Costa Rica’s history, for a 30-minute meditation.

Participation is free, although donations are welcome and will go toward various conservation and community projects outlined before each meeting.

All you need to bring is a yoga mat and a light blanket for the meditation. If you have never practiced yoga before, call the museum, as an introductory session may be offered before the guided museum tour.

The next Yogarte is set for Jan. 29, with future events scheduled March 26, May 28, Aug. 27, Oct. 29 and Dec. 3. For more information or to reserve a spot for Jan. 29, call Marissia Obando at 2291-8670 or 2296-4533.