Jade Museum

Located on 11th floor of INS (National Insurance Institute) it shows one of the largest collection of jade in the world and the largest in America, including pre-Columbian artifacts and reproductions. Well organized these pieces show translucent and beautiful colors, also Jade Museum has in exhibition valuable jewelry of foreign and national artists as well gold miniatures and Columbian ceramics organized by region and culture. A large sculpture of a men and women copulating referred by eternal humankind preoccupation for sex is one of the favorites of visitors of Jade Museum.

Since jade was a valuable material for pre-Columbian cultures of Central America and Mexico the museum display a large collection of human and animal figures as well of necklaces dating from 500 B.C. to 800 A.D.

An extensive collection of figurines, bowls and terracota bases is in 11th floor. Pretty modern in design and made them with surprisingly advanced techniques these pieces show how the jade was introduced to humans for decorative reasons. For each piece there is a label in spanish as well in english, don't leave the museum without check out the view of downtown San Jose from the lounge area.