Formerly the old Liquor Factory, this building now houses the National Cultural Center, a large performing arts campus that brings Joséfinos the best in the areas of dance, art and theatre. Visitors will find the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, multiple performing arts centers and theaters. Rotating exhibits from leading Costa Rican artists draw art enthusiasts and interested onlookers into this fine establishment that's over one city block in size. Give yourself approximately two hours to take everything in; however, most of the theatre performances are done strictly in Spanish.

Located next to the lovely Sabana Metropolitan Park, this modern art museum showcases cutting edge Costa Rican painting, print and sculpture. Paintings in a variety of media and styles are showcased here and celebrate the skill of national talent. Art has also been incorporated into the building itself. Although formerly an airport terminal, the building has been delightfully refurbished and features a bas-relief on the walls of an upstairs conference room that tells the story of Costa Rica. The museum also has a newly formed sculpture garden that is quite attractive and still being developed as more pieces are being added.

Located in a former army fort that to this day bears the marks of artillery fire from the Civil War of 1948, this museum showcases national archaeology, jade, gold, colonial furniture, costumes, religious art and a wealth of historical exhibits. Displays such as a 2500 year old jade carving, ancient grinding stones and Indian pottery help the past come alive and engage the attention of visitors. Interestingly, the museum features an outstanding exhibit that changes regularly and focuses on current culture.

Housed in a stunning black glass structure, this popular museum holds the largest collection of American jade. These lovely gems, dating from 500 BC to AD 800, are showcased with intricate lighting, spacing and groupings to allow visitors to appreciate them in full detail. In addition to the outstanding jade displays, the museum also houses pre-Columbian figurines, ceramics, gold miniatures and other precious gems. As a side note, the 11th floor of the building offers a great lookout point for getting a bird's-eye-view of the surrounding area.

This museum boasts a stunning collection of over 1500 gold artifacts. In fact, it's one of the world's most noted collections of Pre-Columbian gold, with valuable coins, figurines, jewelry and more. On the second floor of the museum, guests are educated about the social and cultural aspects of the Pre-Columbian culture, while the third floor offers insight into the different uses for and meanings of a wide array of gold pieces. All of the gold pieces date from 500 ­ 1500 AD. A gift shop is located on site for those visitors looking for books and other mementos of their experience.