Housed in the fortress-like former penitenciario central (central penitentiary) built in 1910, the Costa Rican Science and Cultural Center was inaugurated in 1994 to promote science, technicological innovation, and the arts in education. The complex contains a number of important cultural institutions.
t The dramatic ocher façade of the former prison, topped by crenellations
Experience San José
t San José’s star-shaped cultural center, a former prison
The center is the brainchild of former First Lady Gloria Bejarano Almada, who wanted to rehabilitate the abandoned hub-and-spoke-shaped prison into a positive space. Today each of the “spokes” of the building is dedicated to a different exhibition space. In one, the airy Galería Nacional features paintings, sculptures, and other art forms by Costa Rica’s leading exponents of avant-garde art. In another wing, the playful Museo de los Niños is a capitvating space with dozens of thematic hands-on exhibits that provide children with an understanding of nature, science, technology, and culture. The center hosts lectures, as well as national and international performances of music and dance in the Teatro Auditorio Nacional. Its dedicated youth center is expected to reopen in 2020.
1917
The year a gunpowder explosion destroyed a large part of the building.
HIDDEN GEM
Jailhouse Rocks
Past the mock-medieval entrance, keep an eye out for a multifaceted sculpture by Jorge Jiménez Deredia. Called Genesis (1998), it depicts a woman evolving from an egg.
Experience San José
Museum Spaces |
Museo de los NiñosVibrant and full of wonder, there is nothing about the Children’s Museum to suggest the space was once a notorious prison. In repurposed former jail cells, hands-on exhibits forge links between art, culture, science, and technology, and invite young visitors to discover how ancient cultures practiced recycling. Special events are hosted year round. |
Teatro Auditorio NacionalThe versatile National Theater Auditorium hosts all kinds of special events, from audiences with the Dalai Lama and renowned authors to international dance competitions and theatrical performances. The theater also has an educational season with the National Symphony Orchestra, to introduce children to classical music from around the world. |
Galería NacionalA celebration of contemporary art, the National Gallery showcases rotating exhibits of visual artworks by nationally and internationally renowned artists in spotlit rooms converted from former jail cells. The gallery hosts five exhibitions every month. |
Museo Histórico PenitenciarioIn 1979, historic San José Central Penitentiary was closed after 70 years of human rights violations of prisoners. Today, many of the old jail cells are preserved. Restored graffiti left on the walls is a potent reminder of the human tragedy that once played out here. |