National Theatre of Costa Rica

Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica

A lavish 19th-century neoclassical theatre considered the finest historic building in the country, with marble staircases and frescoed ceilings. Visit for guided tours, its ornate interior and performances by the national symphony.

Things to do

• Take the guided tour — Join a knowledgeable guide to explore the marble foyer, allegorical statues and history of this 1897 landmark.
• Admire the grand marble staircase — Ascend the sweeping white marble staircase framed by gilded details and bronze sculptures.
• See the 'Alegoría del café y el banano' ceiling painting — Look up in the foyer to find the famous fresco depicting coffee and banana harvests that once appeared on the five-colón note.
• Attend a National Symphony performance — Experience the ornate auditorium in full glory during a concert by the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional.
• Relax at Café del Teatro Nacional — Sip coffee beneath frescoed ceilings and chandeliers in the theatre's elegant belle époque café.
• Photograph the neoclassical facade — Step out to Plaza de la Cultura to capture the columned exterior and statues of Beethoven and Calderón de la Barca.
• Explore the surrounding Plaza de la Cultura — Wander the lively square outside, home to street musicians, vendors and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum below.

Food to try

• Costa Rican coffee — Order a cup of locally grown Tarrazú or Central Valley coffee, a national pride served in the theatre café.
• Gallo pinto — Try the classic breakfast of rice and black beans with cilantro, often found at nearby San José sodas.
• Casado — A hearty lunch plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad and meat, served at casual eateries around the plaza.
• Tres leches cake — Enjoy this moist sponge cake soaked in three milks, a popular dessert in San José cafés.
• Agua dulce — Sample this warm, sweet drink made from unrefined sugarcane, a traditional Costa Rican comfort beverage.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress up for evening performances — Ticos often dress smartly for symphony and theatre events, so avoid overly casual attire.
• Buy tickets in advance — Popular concerts and tours can sell out, so reserve online or at the box office ahead of time.
• Say 'Pura Vida' — This national phrase meaning 'pure life' is used as a greeting, thanks and general expression of goodwill.
• Watch your belongings in the plaza — The busy Plaza de la Cultura outside attracts crowds, so keep valuables secure against pickpockets.

Nearby

• Jade Museum — 0 km
• Pre-Columbian Gold Museum — 0 km
• Barrio Amón — 0 km
• National Museum of Costa Rica — 0 km