Photos: Inside the Museum of Costa Rican Art in San José

An oasis of green in San José, La Sabana is the perfect place to catch a breath of fresh air in Costa Rica’s largest city.

The urban park is also home to the Museum of Costa Rican Art, a free attraction located in what was once the terminal building for the country’s international airport.

Check out this video of Costa Rica in 1947 for a glimpse of what La Sabana looked like back then:

Today, the museum highlights the works of Costa Rican and Latin American artists.

Inside the Museum of Costa Rican Art. Alejandro Zúñiga / The Tico Times

Of course, the museum wouldn’t be complete without at least one reference to soccer.

An outdoor exhibit at the Museum of Costa Rican Art. Alejandro Zúñiga / The Tico Times

The exhibits themselves are lovely, and so too is the building’s architecture.

Inside the Museum of Costa Rican Art. Alejandro Zúñiga / The Tico Times

Perhaps the most memorable exhibit is the Salón Dorado, or Golden Room, on the second floor. Formerly an airport lounge, the room contains a massive mural depicting Costa Rica’s history through 1940.

The impressive Golden Room Mural at the Museum of Costa Rican Art. Alejandro Zúñiga / The Tico Times

Museo de Arte Costarricense is located in Parque la Sabana Este. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Free admission. For more information, visit: http://www.mac.go.cr