Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture, Cultural and scientific center in San José, Costa Rica.

The Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture occupies the former Central Penitentiary, a fortress-like building with a pale yellow facade, white trim and two red crenellated turrets bearing a star. Its central section has a tall arched window over a wide arched entrance, flanked by narrow arched windows on both floors. Wall lettering reads "Museo de los Niños" and "Centro Costarricense de la Ciencia y la Cultura".

The complex served as Costa Rica's main prison from 1910 until 1979 before undergoing complete transformation. Its reopening as a cultural venue in 1994 turned a place of incarceration into a hub for learning and creativity.

The galleries display works by Costa Rican artists alongside international pieces, reflecting how local creativity connects with global artistic movements. You will notice how the spaces encourage visitors to engage with art in an accessible way.

The complex sits in the Merced district of San José, in the former Central Penitentiary building. The Museo de los Niños, National Auditorium, National Gallery and Crea+ share the site, so check each section's opening before setting out. The 526-seat auditorium hosts concerts, congresses and theatre, and the galleries occupy fourteen rooms on two levels.

The prison history section presents the former institution's past and how the spaces were adapted into educational venues over time. Few visitors realize they are walking through halls where transformation from confinement to culture actually took place.