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Teatro de la Aduana: A Cultural Gem in San José

Experience Costa Rican culture at the historic Teatro de la Aduana in San José's vibrant Barrio Escalante.

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The Teatro de la Aduana, or Customs House Theater, is a historic performance venue in San José's Barrio Escalante. Originally a customs building, it was repurposed in 2010 into a theater that hosts a variety of cultural events.

A brief summary to Teatro de la Aduana

  • Detrás del Teatro de la Aduana San José, San José, Barrio Escalante, San José Province, 10101, CR
  • +50688565000
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Check the theater's schedule online for upcoming performances and events.
  • Arrive early to secure good seats, especially for popular shows.
  • Enjoy a meal at Santa Perla restaurant behind the theater for a complete cultural experience.
  • Explore Barrio Escalante's other restaurants, cafes, and shops before or after the show.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Parque Francia, walk east along Avenida 7. Turn right onto Calle 23. The Teatro de la Aduana will be on your left, behind the Antigua Aduana. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near the Teatro de la Aduana. Check for bus routes that serve Barrio Escalante. From the bus stop Contiguo A Urbn Escalante, San José, walk one minute to the theater. Bus fares in San José typically cost between 200 to 650 colones (approximately $0.30 to $1 USD) for short trips.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in San José. A short taxi ride from downtown San José to the Teatro de la Aduana should cost approximately 2,374 CRC for a 5km trip. Be sure the driver uses the meter ('María').

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Discover more about Teatro de la Aduana

Located in the vibrant Barrio Escalante of San José, the Teatro de la Aduana, also known as the Alberto Cañas Escalante Theater, stands as a testament to Costa Rican culture and history. Originally built as a customs house, the building was adapted into a theater and opened its doors on May 6, 2010, with a performance of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's 'The Threepenny Opera'. The building's transformation was overseen by architect Miguel Herrera, who carefully redesigned the space while preserving its historical integrity. Today, the theater is part of the Centro para las Artes y la Tecnología, La Aduana, and is affiliated with the Compañía Nacional de Teatro, which belongs to the Teatro Popular Melico Salazar. The Teatro de la Aduana offers a diverse program of events throughout the year, including theater performances, music concerts, and dance recitals. It has become a cultural hub in San José, attracting over 10,000 spectators annually. The theater also serves as a venue for special events, such as the commemoration of the 145th anniversary of the official newspaper La Gaceta. Behind the theater, you'll find the Santa Perla restaurant, offering a delightful culinary experience with beautifully presented Costa Rican dishes and exceptional service.

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