Costa Rican Art Museum
San José
The Costa Rican Museum of Art (MAC), located in San José, Costa Rica, is a prominent art museum housed in the historic former terminal building of La Sabana International Airport. Established in 1978, the museum holds a vast collection of over 6000 artworks, although only a fraction can be exhibited at a time due to space limitations. Its collection initially focused on art from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s but now encompasses contemporary works as well. The building itself, constructed in 1937 and opened as an airport terminal in 1940, was declared an architectural heritage site of Costa Rica in 1986. Notable pieces on display include Francisco Amighetti's 1948 mural "Agriculture," which commemorates the Costa Rican Civil War, as well as works by expressionist painter Teodorico Quirós, abstract artist Lola Fernández, sculptor Juan Rafael Chacón, and a mural by Louis Féron. The museum has also hosted significant exhibitions such as the first major retrospective of Max Jiménez in 1999 and the first Central American exhibition of Carlos Cruz-Diez's work in 2024. The MAC serves as a cultural hub celebrating Costa Rican artistic heritage and contemporary creativity.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to check the museum's official website for current exhibitions and opening hours. The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid crowds. Advance ticket purchase is recommended for special exhibitions. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups.
Interesting facts
- •The museum building was once the main terminal of Costa Rica's first international airport.
- •Francisco Amighetti's mural "Agriculture" commemorates the Costa Rican Civil War of 1948.
- •In 1999, the museum hosted the first major retrospective of artist Max Jiménez.
- •The museum held the first Central American exhibition of Carlos Cruz-Diez's work in 2024.
History
The building of the Costa Rican Museum of Art was originally constructed in 1937 as the terminal for La Sabana International Airport, which opened in 1940.
After the opening of Juan Santamaría International Airport in 1958, La Sabana airport handled only domestic flights until its closure in 1974.
In 1977, the land was repurposed as La Sabana Metropolitan Park.
The museum opened in the former terminal building in 1978 and was declared an architectural heritage site in 1986.
It underwent renovations in the late 2000s and reopened in 2011.
Place Guide
Francisco Amighetti's "Agriculture" Mural1948
A large mural created in 1948 depicting agricultural themes and commemorating the Costa Rican Civil War, showcasing Amighetti's expressionist style.
Historic Airport Terminal Building1937
The museum is housed in the former terminal building of La Sabana International Airport, built in 1937 and declared an architectural heritage site in 1986.
Max Jiménez Retrospective Exhibition1999
The museum hosted the first major retrospective of Max Jiménez's work in 1999, highlighting this important Costa Rican artist.
Carlos Cruz-Diez Exhibition2024
In 2024, the MAC presented the first exhibition of Carlos Cruz-Diez's work in Central America, showcasing his influential kinetic art.
Contact
Phone: 2256 1281
