The Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia Historical Museum Costa Rica

Schedule: from Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: +506 2221-1239 / +506 2255-1218
Address: on 11th avenue, 25th and 27th streets, Barrio Escalante, district: Carmen, canton: San José, province: San José, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 10101.

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GPS Coordinates: 9.936856,-84.065711 (9°56’12.68″N, 84°03’56.56″W)

Address map: Click here to view directions from Central Park, San Jose, Costa Rica TO the Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia Historical Museum in San Jose, Costa Rica at Google Maps

The Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia Historical Museum Costa Rica (Museo Histórico del Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia) opened its doors in March 1994 although the establishing decree dates from 1991. The museum owes its name to the president of the Republic (1940-1944), Meritorious Fatherland and great social reformer of Costa Rica, who was inspired by the social doctrine of the Catholic Church in Belgium, which was his guide to take a political and ideological position in favor of the most disadvantaged groups of society. He got involved in political life in 1930 with great support from popular groups.

His government pushed forward the great social reform of Costa Rica which included the creation of the University of Costa Rica (1940), the “Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social” or Costa Rican Social Insurance (1941), the inclusion of the Social Guarantees in the Constitution (1943) and the enactment of the first Labor Code (1943). His visionary work helped the Government to lay the foundations for peace and social justice, values that are the pride of Costa Rica today.

The building houses the Manuel de la Cruz González gallery as part of the Museum and will take place in various art exhibitions by painters, sculptors and artisans. The house where it’s located is an old French adobe building of 800 square meters, built in 1912 using a neoclassical architectural interpretation. It is the old Catlderón family mansion, a historic building, it presents the life of President Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia. Located in Barrio Escalante, 100 meters east and 150 meters north of the Santa Teresita Church in San José.

In 1979 it was declared a national heritage and was recently recognized by the Cultural Heritage Research and Conservation center, from the MCJD as one of the best preserved buildings. It also worked for several years as host of the Anastacio Alfaro High School, the ITCO and the Youth Symphony Orchestra. The Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Historical Museum has documentation of the 1948 war, student library, exhibitions, films, theater and dance in the auditorium, with a large parking lot for 30 vehicles and security.