No commodity was more valuable among the pre-Columbian cultures of Central America and Mexico than jade; it was worth more than gold. Set on the western edge of the Plaza de la Democracia, this five-story building has more than 7,000 sq. m (75,000 sq. ft.) of exhibition space, which is able to display an impressive 7,000-piece collection. The museum also houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian polychrome terra-cotta bowls, vases, and figurines, some of which are startlingly modern in design (and exhibit a surprisingly advanced technique). Particularly intriguing is a vase that incorporates actual human teeth, and a display that shows how jade was embedded in human teeth merely for decorative purposes. All of the wall text is translated into English. Allot at least an hour to tour this museum.
San Jose, Costa Rica
Travel Guide
San Jose, Costa Rica› Attraction
Museo de Jade Marco Fidel Tristán (Jade Museum)
Calle 13, btw avenidas 2 and Central
![Museo de Jade Marco Fidel Tristán (Jade Museum) | Frommer's Museo de Jade Marco Fidel Tristán (Jade Museum) | Frommer's](/system/media_items/attachments/000/868/949/s980/Jade_Museum-_DSC8511-crop.webp?1656379386)
Our Rating
Hours
Daily 10am–5pm
Phone
2512-6610
Prices
Admission $16 adults; $5 students with valid ID; $2 children 11 and under
Web site
Museo de Jade Marco Fidel Tristán
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Map
Calle 13, btw avenidas 2 and Central San Jose, Costa RicaNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.