Museum of Contemporary Art and Design

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, or Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo (often called MADC), is located in San José, Costa Rica. It stands in a central part of the city in the renovated historic site of the former National Liquor Factory (Fábrica Nacional de Licores). For visitors interested in modern artistic expressions, cultural vibrancy, and design innovation, the museum offers a stimulating destination. Whether you are an art lover, a curious traveller, or someone seeking inspiration, the MADC provides a rich experience of contemporary art within Costa Rica and the wider Central American region.

About the Museum

The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design was founded in 1994 with the mission of promoting the newest trends and dynamics in art and design, especially those arising within Central America, while also engaging with international perspectives. It occupies approximately 1,200 square meters of physical space, split among several exhibition halls and outdoor spaces.

The building itself has historical significance. It is part of the old National Liquor Factory (locally “Fanal”), which was founded in 1856. After significant renovation, the space was repurposed to house the museum, forming part of what is now the National Cultural Centre (Centro Nacional de Cultura).

Inside, there are four main exhibition halls plus an outdoor area called Pila de la Melaza, also known as the Molasses Vault, which is used for multidisciplinary events such as installations, performances, and music. The museum also hosts a documentation centre, a video library, and a small sales area where visitors can find catalogues, art books, design publications, and other art-related materials.

The museum’s permanent collection includes over 900 works by both established and emerging artists. The media represented are wide and varied: painting, etching, sculpture, photography, installations, intervened objects, and video art among them. Selections from this collection are regularly displayed in rotated exhibitions in the internal galleries.

Beyond the exhibitions themselves, MADC offers educational and cultural programming. There are guided tours, workshops, talks, discussions, art competitions, video-cinema screenings, and other events that allow visitors to engage with the ideas behind the art. The documentation centre and video library support both public visitors and specialists in exploring deeper into the artistic practices of Central America and beyond.

Visitor amenities: the museum is free to the public. It is open from Tuesday through Saturday, from about 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 or 4:50 p.m.

Interesting Facts

The museum is housed in the former National Liquor Factory building (Fanal), a structure dating from 1856, giving the site historic and architectural character.
The permanent collection has more than nine hundred artworks by national, regional and international artists, reflecting diverse media and experimental practices.
The Pila de la Melaza (Molasses Vault) is an outdoor space used by the museum for events beyond static exhibitions — performances, installations, music and more.
One recent exhibition, “We are seas, rivers, flowers, minerals, volcanoes, mountains, and compost”, showcases over 40 works by feminist artists, curators and collectives from across Central America, exploring social struggles, environmental issues, histories and identity.
The museum is part of Costa Rica’s National Cultural Centre and is situated adjacent to the National Library (Biblioteca Nacional), making it easy to combine visits with other cultural landmarks in San José.
Visitors often report that although the museum is not very large, the exhibitions are thoughtfully curated, and the atmosphere encourages contemplation and engagement. The free admission is widely appreciated.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +50 62 257 7202

Website: www.madc.cr/

Facebook: facebook.com/MuseoMADC.CR

Conclusion

For anyone visiting San José, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design offers an invigorating window into contemporary culture, art, and design in Costa Rica and Central America. The blend of historic architecture and modern artistic expression makes the museum much more than just a display space — it is a living platform for ideas, creativity, and cultural dialogue. Even arcs of controversy, questions of identity, and narratives from social and feminist perspectives find space here, allowing visitors not only to see but also to think and feel.

Whether you have a couple of hours to spare or are deeply interested in art, MADC is well worth the time. Its free admission, central location, varied exhibitions, and well-designed facilities make for a rich experience. Make sure to check the current exhibitions and program schedules before you go, so you can align your visit with performances, talks, or special events. Exploring the MADC is more than seeing art; it is participating in an ongoing conversation about culture, society, and creativity.