Jade Museum

The Jade Museum (Museo del Jade) in downtown San José showcases the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian jade. Its modern galleries trace jade’s role among ancient Costa Rican cultures, alongside finely crafted stone, gold, and ceramic artifacts. Clear bilingual exhibits, interactive displays, and city views make it accessible to casual visitors and archaeology enthusiasts alike. Centrally located near the National Museum and Plaza de la Democracia, it’s easy to add to a day of sightseeing. Expect one to two hours to explore, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, trade networks, and ritual use rather than oversized galleries.