Galería Namu, San Jose

Galería Namu, San Jose

Galería Namu, located in downtown San José, is a unique art gallery that celebrates the legacy and permanence of the first people of this land. The name Namu, which means jaguar in the Bribri language, pays homage to the sacred animal of many tribes in Central America. This gallery is dedicated to showcasing the incredible artwork of indigenous and folk artists from Costa Rica and other Central American locations.

Unlike other galleries in the country, Galería Namu has brought together a diverse and rich collection of folk and indigenous art. The gallery's objective is to provide a platform for these artists to showcase their unique works at reasonable prices while ensuring fair trade practices.

Despite the general belief that Costa Rica does not offer an array of arts beyond wood crafts, Galería Namu has proven this assumption wrong. The gallery features a wide range of indigenous and folk art, inspired by the natural beauty of the country. Visitors to the gallery are amazed by the collection of art and the knowledge of the staff.

Galería Namu's website and physical gallery offer a lot to discover for those interested in folk and indigenous art. The gallery's commitment to fair trade is evident in its practices, making it an ideal place to shop for art lovers who want to support ethical and sustainable practices. Galería Namu's mission to share incredible works of art from this little corner of the world is evident in the diverse and beautiful collection of art it has assembled.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Jose. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Galería Namu on Map

Sight Name: Galería Namu
Sight Location: San Jose, Costa Rica (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Shopping

Walking Tours in San Jose, Costa Rica

Create Your Own Walk in San Jose

Create Your Own Walk in San Jose

Creating your own self-guided walk in San Jose is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Buildings Tour

Historical Buildings Tour

What's known today as San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, came into being as a small settlement during the Spanish invasion, circa the mid-16th century. From a town of little importance, San Jose eventually evolved into a densely-populated cosmopolitan city, built mostly with proceeds from coffee trade.

The historic architecture of San Jose is a mix of European and Latin American styles...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
San Jose Introduction Walking Tour

San Jose Introduction Walking Tour

Ricardo Jimenez Oreamuno, former president of Costa Rica, once said: “San Jose is the heart of Costa Rica, where the pulse of the nation beats.”

San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The city's origins are tied to the country’s shift toward independence and urban development. Before becoming the capital, Costa Rica’s main...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Shopping and Food Walking Tour

Shopping and Food Walking Tour

Walking the pedestrian-friendly promenades of Costa Rica's capital – San Jose – is a great way to experience the local culture. Despite an occasional rainstorm, the country's tropical weather makes outdoor shopping an undeniably fun experience. The downtown part of San Jose has no shortage of department stores, traditional marketplaces and souvenir shops selling handcrafts.

The...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


17 Uniquely Costa Rican Things to Buy in San Jose

17 Uniquely Costa Rican Things to Buy in San Jose

Not to be confused with San Jose, the sunny California, San Jose, Costa Rica is the capital city of a wet (250 centimeters of rainfall per year) and colorful Latin American country renowned for its diverse craftsmanship (courtesy of the numerous indigenous tribes), splendid coffee and rich cultural...