Juan Santamaria Historical Museum

Juan Santamaria Historical Museum

Alajuela has had difficult times to have its own permanent museum. It has been a struggle of almost 100 years since the first museum in the city was founded.
Of course, as the home city of the hero Juan Santamaria, the goal of this museum has always been to keep the relics and the history of the wars waged by the Costa Ricans against the filibusters.
In this article, we would like to review a little of the history of the Juan Santamaria Historical Museum and also why it is worth giving it a visit.



art exhibition at museum juan santamaria
The Juan Santamaria Museum is an incredible effort from the Alajuela community to preserve its history and culture.

Reasons to visit the Juan Santamaria Museum

Free Entrance

As you can hear, the museum’s maintenance and logistical operations are financed by all Costa Ricans paying their taxes. The local government and the Ministry of Culture share the budget that allows the museum to remain in operation. Both nationals and foreigners only need to identify themselves at the entrance and sign a ticket to be allowed to enter.
Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.



Historic building

The museum as an institution has changed its location over the years. It began in the 1930’s in the facilities of the Instituto de Alajuela school. Then it moved to the Casa de la Cultura Costarricense after being closed for a few years.
In the end the Museum found its recent home in the old Alajuela Arms Barracks, built in 1874. This building was also for a time the seat of the Alajuela jail.
The building is a sample of the architecture of the XIX century in Costa Rica.



a museum courtyard in a rainy day
The courtyard of the museum in a rainy day.

View of the city of Alajuela

If you ask at the front desk, one of the guards can take you on a brief but memorable tour of the rooftop. From there you can have a unique view of the Central Park, the mountains surrounding the city and other historic buildings such as the Cathedral.



Contemporary Art Exhibitions

The museum exhibits temporary and permanent art pieces by Costa Rican artists. There are also paintings and art related to patriotic themes such as Independence Day and the Battle of Rivas.



Pieces of old war at exhibition in museum
Weapons and warfare gear are exhibited among bits of history about the 1856-1857 war that united all Central America against filibusters.

Relics of the war against filibusters

During the 19th century, invading troops from the United States of America (yes, you read that right) raided Central America with the intention of founding satellite states under a dictatorship.
The invaders were gaining territory until they ran into the Costa Ricans in the Santa Rosa area, where they were repelled. This battle along with the battle of Rivas was the beginning of the fall of the North American invaders.
The first floor of the museum is entirely dedicated to art, relics and exhibits that speak of this war and its protagonists. There are paintings, weapons, cannons, clothing and furniture of that time.



Bookstore

There is a sale of books related to Costa Rican history at good prices. You can take a look at some of the books that are open.



Events

The Juan Santamaria museum has a theater. It also has an interior patio. In both there are activities such as concerts, plays, storytelling among others.
For example, every first Wednesday of the month there are storytellers, between novices and experts they share the stage. The Alajuela Concert Band also performs here often.



Excellent ambiance

If you are looking for a peaceful and quiet place, you can walk slowly through the corridors with your companion and have a pleasant conversation in a low voice as you go from room to room. There are balconies overlooking the inner courtyard or the park.



Rules in the museum Juan Santamaria

Like all museums, there is a set of rules that are used to guarantee the conviviality among the attendees. Some of these are. Keep your voice down. This ensures that everyone can have a personal or museum-related conversation without problems.
No eating or drinking (except water) inside the facilities. To keep everything clean and safe.
No running inside the facilities. For the safety of the children because the floors can be a little slippery, especially if some of the rainwater gets into the hallways.
Follow the directions of the security guards.
Adults need to present identification at the entrance, passport, ID or driver’s license.
No drunkenness or improper dress.
No amorous scenes. You can go with your partner and have a pleasant conversation. But if you want to go further, find another place to do it.
Photographs are allowed!



Historical pieces shown at museum
Furniture from Costa Rica’s mid-XIX century on exhibition.

Visit the Museum Juan Santamaria

We hope these tips will be useful. Not going to the Juan Santamaria Museum would be like not coming to the city of Alajuela. So we hope that all our guests can have at least 30 minutes to visit it.
Remember that our rooms are at your disposal if you are looking for a hotel near the Juan Santamaria Airport. Also if you are looking for a hotel close to everything, in the middle of the city. If you want to know more about the museum visit their website, in spanish.