Located in the central section of San José, the National Theatre of Costa Rica stands as the capital’s finest historic building and a vibrant cultural asset. Constructed in the late 19th century during a prosperous period driven by coffee exports—and funded by taxes on coffee, rice, and beans—this architectural masterpiece opened in October 1897 with Goethe's Faust. Holding up to 1,140 visitors, it offers high-quality performances several times a week while serving as a top historic site.
When you visit, you will step into an exquisite interior celebrated for its lavish furnishings and artistic grandeur. As you explore, be sure to see the magnificent front facade featuring statues of Calderón de la Barca and Ludwig van Beethoven, along with entry walkway monuments like Frédéric Chopin. Inside, you can admire the famous mural Allegory of Coffee and Bananas painted by Milanese artist Aleardo Villa, a celebrated artwork famously featured on the five colón bill.
Today, the venue hosts regular season concerts by the National Symphonic Orchestra featuring both local and foreign composers, as well as various stage productions. It is an essential stop to experience the rich heritage and artistic elegance of Costa Rica.
What to see at National Theatre of Costa Rica
- The interior mural Allegory of Coffee and Bananas by Milanese artist Aleardo Villa
- Statues of Calderón de la Barca and Ludwig van Beethoven on the building's front facade
- Monuments along the entry walkway, including one dedicated to Frédéric Chopin
- Live performances by the National Symphonic Orchestra in a historic 1,140-seat theater
Visiting tips
Be sure to look for the famous Allegory of Coffee and Bananas mural inside, which was featured on Costa Rica's five colón bill.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Performance days
How to get there & what’s nearby
National Theatre of Costa Rica is easy to reach on San José’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our San José travel guide.
See the full San José travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.