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The National Museum houses a large collection of Pre-Colombian jewelry, pottery and stone sculptures. It is one of the best collections in the region. It is located at Av. 1 and is open from Tues - Sat 8:30am -4. Admission is free with student ID. The Jade Museum really is more about indigenous people and has a display of gold and jade. From musical instruments to ceramics, it houses a varied collection that will delight most. It is located on the 11 th floor of the INS building downtown. Hours vary but are generally Mon-Fri from 8:30am to 4pm. Admission about $3. The Children's Museum is located in the old penitentiary on Calle 4, north of Avenida 9. The building dates from 1948 and has 34 rooms, each with a different theme. This is for kids!! San Jose also has an interesting Gold Museum, located in the Plaza De La Cultura (entrance by Taco Bell.) This museum has 1600 pieces of the second best collection of gold pieces in the world. Entrance is $3 with student ID. Hours are Tues-Sat from 8:30am to 4pm. In the Sabana park, the Art Museum has a fabulous display of local artwork that represents the history of the country. Hours are 10 to 4 Tues-Sat. Free for students. $2 otherwise. Museum of Natural History is located in Colegio La Salle, a school set at the SW part of Sabana Park. Stuffed animals are what you will find here, with over 1,000 birds, as well as monkeys & other forest dwellers. (open Tues to Fri 8-3, Sat. 8-12. Museum of Entomology. Downstairs in the Facultad de Artes Musicales of the Universidad de Costa Rica in Sabanilla. Central America 's sole collection of insects features a wonderful display of butterflies. Open Wed.-Thurs 1-6; researchers welcome anytime. Visit the Serpentarium at Ave 1, calles 9/11. Housed here are many local species of reptiles and amphibians, listed according to the area of the country where they are found. It is open 9-6 weekdays and 10-4 weekends. Cost is $5 or so. Visit the National Theatre. Built in the 1890's by coffee barons, the theatre now features almost daily performances. It's decor is gorgeous, in the European style with gold and frescos on the ceilings. Open 9am-5pm with a cost of $3. Go shopping. The best places to shop are the local mercado, for those who want items with local flair, the centro Commercial El Pueblo, which has unique but pricey gifts and shops, as well as wonderful restaurants and the most popular discos in the city. There is also a large, American-style mall in San Pedro. Visit the Courthouse. This is where the OIJ has a Museum of Criminology with everything from seized arms to counterfeit money. Located on Calle 17, Avenidas 6 & 8. Open from 7am-11am and 1-5:30pm weekdays. Watch a performance at the Melico Salazar Theatre downtown. There are performances every weekend in dance, music and theatre. It is famous for quality performers and portrayals of the country's interesting past. Do volunteer work- we offer plenty of opportunties for those who want to make a difference, including working with children at a shelter or hospital, building housing for the poor or working with endangered macaws at a breeding facility. |
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