Museo del Jade
Quick Facts
- Location
- Costa Rica, San Jose
- Category
- Museum
- Duration
- 1–1.5 hours
- Opening Hours
- Daily 08:00-17:00 · The information page runs De lunes a domingo de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m., so all seven days are 08:00 to 17:00, and its CIERRES list closes the museum on 1 January, 1 May, 15 August for the Dia de las madres and 25 December.
- Ticket Price
- Adult: National adults 3000 colones; foreign adults 16 US dollars · Student: National students 1200 colones; foreign students 5 dollars · The site prints national and foreign tariffs side by side with the foreign column in US dollars, adds that special activities carry differentiated rates, requires every visitor to show ID so the right charge, discount or exemption applies, asks discount claimants for valid documents plus consent to process their data under Law 8968, and sells tickets through the Comprar entradas link.
- Address
- Avenida Central, calles 13 y 13 bis, San José, Costa Rica
- Coordinates
- 9.9340, -84.0780
Introduction
San José's Jade Museum (Museo del Jade) holds the world's richest collection of pre-Columbian American jade, another key place to understand Costa Rica's ancient indigenous culture. In ancient Costa Rica, jade—especially emerald-green jadeite—was considered more precious than gold, linked to life, water, fertility and power, and a symbol of status and faith. The museum treasures thousands of jade objects and stone artifacts crafted by ancient peoples—amulets, pendants, beads, figurines and ritual items in human, animal (frog, bird, reptile) and unique "axe-god" forms, with warm tones and fine carving that showcase ancient craftsmanship and a rich symbolic system. This modern museum also uses thoughtful exhibits and interactives to present indigenous life, beliefs, burial customs and jade culture. Stepping into this jade temple is a unique stop to deeply understand Costa Rica's indigenous civilization.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 08:00-17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00-17:00 |
The information page runs De lunes a domingo de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m., so all seven days are 08:00 to 17:00, and its CIERRES list closes the museum on 1 January, 1 May, 15 August for the Dia de las madres and 25 December.
Ticket Information
| Adult | National adults 3000 colones; foreign adults 16 US dollars |
|---|---|
| Student | National students 1200 colones; foreign students 5 dollars |
| Child | Ages 6 to 12 pay 1200 colones nationally or 2 dollars for foreigners |
| Senior | National seniors enter free while foreign seniors pay 11 dollars |
| Free Admission | The Sunday two for one applies to the national adult rate at 3000 colones and the Wednesday two for one to the foreign adult rate at 16 dollars, both only on tickets sold at the box office |
The site prints national and foreign tariffs side by side with the foreign column in US dollars, adds that special activities carry differentiated rates, requires every visitor to show ID so the right charge, discount or exemption applies, asks discount claimants for valid documents plus consent to process their data under Law 8968, and sells tickets through the Comprar entradas link.
💡 Tips
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Museo del Jade?
Monday: 08:00-17:00; Tuesday: 08:00-17:00; Wednesday: 08:00-17:00; Thursday: 08:00-17:00; Friday: 08:00-17:00; Saturday: 08:00-17:00; Sunday: 08:00-17:00; The information page runs De lunes a domingo de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m., so all seven days are 08:00 to 17:00, and its CIERRES list closes the museum on 1 January, 1 May, 15 August for the Dia de las madres and 25 December.
How much is the admission for Museo del Jade?
Adult: National adults 3000 colones; foreign adults 16 US dollars; Student: National students 1200 colones; foreign students 5 dollars; Child: Ages 6 to 12 pay 1200 colones nationally or 2 dollars for foreigners; Senior: National seniors enter free while foreign seniors pay 11 dollars; Free Admission: The Sunday two for one applies to the national adult rate at 3000 colones and the Wednesday two for one to the foreign adult rate at 16 dollars, both only on tickets sold at the box office; The site prints national and foreign tariffs side by side with the foreign column in US dollars, adds that special activities carry differentiated rates, requires every visitor to show ID so the right charge, discount or exemption applies, asks discount claimants for valid documents plus consent to process their data under Law 8968, and sells tickets through the Comprar entradas link.
Any practical tips for visiting Museo del Jade?
In ancient Costa Rica jade was more precious than gold, a unique value system. Don't miss the warm, finely carved axe-god pendants and other icons.
How long should I spend at Museo del Jade?
A typical visit takes 1–1.5 hours.
