Museo del Jade (Jade Museum), San Jose (must see)

The world's largest collection of American jade is located within the Museo del Jade. This museum was founded in 1977 by Fidel Tristan Castro.

The museum is five floors and divided into five permanent exhibits. The first exhibit is called "The Jade." It shares the jade process, routes for historic jade travel and rituals associated with American jade.

"The Day" exhibit shares information about everyday life using topics like agriculture, architecture, fishing and hunting. "The Night" provides insight into cultural and religious beliefs, burials and mythology.

"Memory" is an exhibit that uses music, technology and gender roles to provide understanding about the lives of Costa Ricans. The Collection Room is the area where patrons can see hundreds of items, from carved stone animals to intricately designed pottery.

The Museo del Jade also offers interactive exhibits specifically for the young and young at heart. Tourists are welcome to explore the museum on their own or take a guided visit of each of the rooms.

The museum is located on Avenida Central next to the National Museum of Costa Rica in the Plaza de la Democracia. It is in the Instituto Nacional de Seguros building due to the fact that the INS originally conceived the notion for the museum.

The cost is $8 for adults. Those who wish to visit Costa Rica on a budget can find free admission to the Jade Museum on Wednesdays and the first Saturday of each month. Students with appropriate ID and children under the age of 12 are always free.

Why You Should Visit:
- To see the largest collection of American jade in the world
- To learn about the lives of historic Costa Ricans

Tips:
The museum is open from 8 AM through 5 PM. Visitors must schedule their trip in advance by reserving a date and time on the Museo del Jade website.