The national theater in San Jose is one of the most beautiful buildings in Costa Rica with great importance to the cultural and historical aspect of the country. It opened in 1897, representing Costa Rica’s high degree of fine art and is a grand display of neo-classical architecture.
If you’re staying a day or two in San Jose, then you must visit the National Theater. Even if you’re not an architecture buff, you will be amazed at how beautiful this building is!
National Theater of Costa Rica
History and Facts of the Costa Rica National Theater
The construction of the theater started in 1891 with the funds coming from a coffee tax since it was their main export at the time. After 7 years of hard work under the direction of an Italian engineer, the theater opened and quickly became Costa Rica’s prized cultural jewel.
Decoration, Ornaments and Design
The inside of the theater is filled with lavish decorations and intricate detail which is so well done, it must have taken some very talented workers to make them all! I’m sure they needed to have a lot of patience to create every single little decoration.
Statues and paintings depicting the Costa Rican lifestyle in the 19th century are placed carefully in the theater, creating a magnificent atmosphere.
The Theater
The National Symphonic Orchestra performs in the theater as well as other artists, both Costa Rican and foreigners. When there are no concerts going on, visitors can tour the building and see the splendid decor.
As you walk into the seating area, you can’t help but marvel at the theater’s beauty. Sitting down in one of the chairs makes you feel so sophisticated and elegant being in such an exquisite theater. I can only imagine how amazing it is to listen to a symphony here, which I really hope to do one day.
Upstairs
There are several floors of the theater which you can explore. The most impressive room is the foyer where there is a huge painting on the ceiling, delicately carved statues, brilliant chandeliers and gorgeous gold detailing.
Secret in the Painting!
The big painting on the ceiling was especially interesting because there is a little secret to them. If you look at the girl in pink from the right side, walk over to the left and look up at her again, she’s looking the opposite direction from before!
Same with the little kid banging the cylinders, when you walk from one side to the other, he is looking the other way as well!
I love the gold decoration on the doors, I definitely wouldn’t mind having one of these in my future house!
Inaccuracies in the Paintings
There are several paintings of banana farmers since that is also an important resource for Costa Rica. What’s funny is that the painter incorrectly showed a man carrying bananas in his arms when they actually put them on their shoulders.
On the old bills, there are also several mistakes since they were painted by Europeans, not Costa Ricans. When you take the tour, see if you can figure them out!
National Theater of Costa Rica Schedule
- Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM Tues through Sunday
National Theater of Costa Rica Cost
$10 for foreigners for the entrance fee. Free for children under 12.
National Theater of Costa Rica Tour
You can visit on your own but many San Jose city tours also stop by the National Theater. If you’d like a guided tour, you can fill out inquire at the ticket office. The National Theater is usually part of the San Jose city tour and they take you for a short guided walk through the theater (get our discount for the city tour here!)
National Theater of Costa Rica Location
Avenida Segunda, between Calles 3 and 5 (next to the plaza where all the pigeons are, right above the Gold Museum).
Read about more fun things to do in San Jose!
John Cross says
July 5, 2017 at 12:15 PMThe cafe off the Foyer was relaxing for a coffee or a snack.
What was the story about European opera stars snubbing San Jose and this was a reason to build the theatre.
John, Atlanta
Sammi says
July 8, 2017 at 8:07 AMThe cafe is super nice! I am not sure the story, I heard about it from the guide but can’t remember :/
Lisa says
July 30, 2014 at 10:06 PMThis place is incredible! The detail is beautiful as are the circular couches:)
Sammi says
July 31, 2014 at 9:40 AMThe detail is truly amazing!
Adelina // Pack Me To says
July 29, 2014 at 3:04 PMWhat a stunning building! It’s so gorgeous inside. Imagine all that gold in your own house 🙂
Sammi says
July 29, 2014 at 7:24 PMI know how amazing would that be!
Sand In My Suitcase says
July 28, 2014 at 10:08 AMWhat a gorgeous building! Wouldn’t it be lovely to catch a performance of the symphony in there…
Sammi says
July 28, 2014 at 10:33 AMIt would be amazing… still on my bucket list !