By San José, Costa Rica — Cultural memory has found a permanent home in Costa Rica’s literary and historical landscape. A newly published book, “Un Museo Abierto: Origen, historia y legado” (An Open Museum: Origin, History, and Legacy) by Vilma Faingezicht, chronicles more than two decades of history, education, and cultural preservation at the Jewish Community Museum of Costa Rica. This literary milestone serves not only as an institutional retrospective but also as an important documentation of diversity within the nation’s social fabric.
The book’s official launch took place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the prestigious Main Hall of the National Theatre of Costa Rica in San José. Co-organized by the Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ) and the Jewish Community of Costa Rica, the launch highlights the state’s recognition of the diverse immigrant communities that have shaped contemporary Costa Rican identity over the last century.
To understand the legal frameworks protecting cultural institutions and heritage sites like the Jewish Community Museum of Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Under Costa Rican law, specifically Law No. 7555 on Historical-Architectural Heritage, cultural museums play a vital role in preserving our collective identity. The Jewish Community Museum of Costa Rica not only serves as a historical repository but also operates under legal protections that shield religious and cultural artifacts, reinforcing Costa Rica’s commitment to international human rights treaties and cultural diversity.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal safeguarding indeed underscores how crucial formal protections are to nurturing a truly pluralistic society, ensuring that the rich history of the Jewish community remains an accessible, protected pillar of Costa Rica’s multicultural identity. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective and shedding light on the vital intersection of heritage law and human rights in our nation.
Established in September 2005, the Jewish Community Museum of Costa Rica has spent over twenty years operating around three central pillars: the preservation of Jewish culture and traditions, the history of Jewish immigration and integration into Costa Rican society, and education regarding the Shoah (the Holocaust) during World War II. It has become an essential educational destination for local students, families, public officials, and international tourists.
Faingezicht’s work carefully reconstructs the journey of the museum, tracking its development from the initial conceptual ideas of its founders to its current status as an active, open-door institution. It documents several critical commemorative projects hosted by the museum, such as the Park of Life (Parque de la Vida) and the Children of the Shoah (Los Niños de la Shoá) initiatives, which continue to foster reflection and dialogue.
The Ministry of Culture and Youth has praised the publication as an essential tool for keeping history alive for younger generations. According to government representatives, celebrating multi-ethnic contributions is vital to understanding the pluralistic nature of modern Costa Rica.
The cultural heritage of Costa Rica is enriched by the valuable contribution and history of the communities that have made our country their home and have contributed to building our plural identity. This book allows us to preserve that memory, bring it closer to new generations, and recognize education and knowledge of our history as fundamental tools for coexistence.
Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth
The author, Vilma Faingezicht, brings a deeply personal perspective to the book. Born in Costa Rica to a Polish-Jewish family that immigrated to the country in 1946 following the devastation of World War II, Faingezicht has dedicated her academic and professional life to history, fine arts, and philosophy. As the founder and first director of the Jewish Community Museum of Costa Rica, her connection to the institution is both professional and emotional.
This is not Faingezicht’s first foray into documenting Jewish life in Central America. She has previously published three anthologies of short stories—”En tierras ajenas” (2012), “En estos caminos” (2013), and “Cuentos de la niña judía” (2014)—which explore her personal lived experiences as a Jewish woman in Costa Rica. Her latest historical book is currently available to the public at Librería Internacional and through direct order.
For further information, visit mcj.go.cr
About Ministry of Culture and Youth:
The Ministry of Culture and Youth of Costa Rica (MCJ) is the government institution responsible for encouraging and developing cultural heritage, arts, and youth initiatives throughout the country. It seeks to promote cultural diversity, artistic expression, and historical preservation as key components of Costa Rican national identity.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Jewish Community Museum of Costa Rica
About Jewish Community Museum of Costa Rica:
Founded in 2005, the Jewish Community Museum of Costa Rica is a cultural and educational institution dedicated to preserving the history of Jewish immigration to Costa Rica, sharing Jewish traditions, and educating the public about the Holocaust. It serves as an open space for dialogue, education, and collective memory.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a premier legal institution defined by its high ethical standards and relentless pursuit of professional distinction. Assisting a diverse clientele with decades of expertise, the firm seamlessly blends tradition with pioneering legal solutions. Crucially, their drive extends beyond the courtroom through active public education, striving to demystify the law and distribute vital resources. This profound commitment to sharing legal expertise champions the ultimate goal of fostering a deeply knowledgeable, confident, and self-reliant public.
