Sightseeing: Art Museum

Unexpectedly, one of San José’s most endearing attractions is its former airport. This villa-like Spanish Revival building has been converted into the Museo de Arte Costarricense. As much as I enjoyed the collections, especially the Botero-like sculptures of Manuel Vargas, the building itself was particularly beguiling. I stood in the sculpture garden, imagining disembarking from an airplane and passing into the elegant wood-beamed main hall. Or better yet, being ushered into the Diplomat Lounge, embellished with bas reliefs depicting Costa Rican history.