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San Jose

North America

Costa Rica

The National Theater of Costa Rica, located at Avenida 2, C. 5 in the heart of San José, is a stunning architectural gem that attracts both locals and tourists alike. Opened in 1897, this historic theater is renowned for its exquisite interior and lavish furnishings, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the vibrant capital of Costa Rica. Visitors can enjoy daily guided tours in both Spanish and English, allowing them to delve into the rich history and cultural significance of this iconic landmark.

Nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Catedral, the National Theater is conveniently located near several other attractions. Visitors can easily explore the nearby Plaza de la Cultura, the National Museum of Costa Rica, and the vibrant Avenida Central, which is lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. This central location makes it an ideal stop for those on a walking tour of San José.

The National Theater offers a variety of amenities to enhance the visitor experience, including:

Guided tours available in English and Spanish.

A lovely café serving delicious pastries and refreshments.

As one of Costa Rica's national treasures, the National Theater hosts a variety of performances, including symphonies, ballets, and theatrical productions, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage. The theater's ornate design and historical significance make it a focal point for the arts in San José, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its beauty and partake in its vibrant cultural offerings.

Ornate landmark theater offering music & dance performances & tours in Spanish & English.

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A visit to downtown San Jose should include a stop at the beautiful National Theater. It is located in the central section of the city, right off Avenida Central. Tours are offered daily and tickets can be purchased at the box office. It is considered to be the finest historic building in the capital, opening to the public in 1897, and is well known for its exquisite interior and lavish furnishings. We attended a recent Symphony concert and we were able to admire the beauty of one of Costa Rica's National treasures.

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This is an absolute gem in the heart of San José, and a place not to be missed when you are in town. They have tours on the hour but you need to check when the tours are done in English and when in Spanish. As you enter the main auditorium, you can't stop but to admire the beauty and majesty of the building, which dates back to over 100 years ago. The guides are efficient in their explanation of the history, design, and important events in the theatre. You will also learn about the restoration process going on at the theatre. Overall, it was a great informative tour. The only suggestion is that we could spend more time in the upper hall where the restoration was going on.

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What a beautiful theatre and it’s great to learn the history of the theatre. Tours are done in English and Spanish.
Very beautiful place and it’s currently going through restoration so there’s a lot of areas that look like a construction site. It’s cool how they have the restoration pieces there.

The guides were great and tell you everything in a comical and theatrical way. I do wish there was more opportunities to pause and take photos it was kind of moving us along once we left the main performance room.

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We took a tour of the Theater and were amazed at its beauty, complexity of construction (moving floors!) and the amount of work being done to restore and preserve this architectural gem! The sculptures are beautiful and the tour gave a great introduction to the rich history of Costa Rica. The sculpture of Mother and the Baby (Heroes de la Miseria) by Costa Rican artist Juan Ramon Bonilla is breathtaking. Thank you so much for preserving this amazing place for the world! Will make sure to attend a performance the next time we are in San Jose. The cafe is lovely and serves wonderful delicious pastries.

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We went with a tour group and it was a nice stop as a part of our walking tour. We were there for a short time but was nice to learn about the history, take some pictures. The positions on the celebrating are also very pretty. A nice cafe there.

Explore the National Theater of Costa Rica in San José

Restroom

Good for Children

In the vibrant heart of San José, the National Theater of Costa Rica stands as a resplendent homage to the country’s artistic spirit and cultural heritage. This architectural gem, adorned with neoclassical design and majestic sculptures, beckons travelers with its imposing façade, inviting them to step into a realm where history and artistry intertwine. Inside, the ambiance is set ablaze by the lavish chandeliers and velvet seating, offering a glimpse into an era where the arts thrived. The theater is not just a stage for performances; it is a living museum that showcases the richness of Costa Rican culture.

National Theater of Costa Rica

Experience the grandeur of the National Theater in San José, Costa Rica! Marvel at its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. Visit now!

Explore the National Theater of Costa Rica in San José

Location & Nearby Attractions

Amenities & Activities

Cultural Significance