The National Monument Casa de la Cultura Alfredo González Flores, located in the heart of the historic center of the city of Heredia, is currently offering an exhibition dedicated to the renowned Costa Rican painter Manuel Carranza Vargas.
- Exhibition available until May 9, at the National Monument Casa de la Cultura Alfredo González Flores in Heredia
- Exhibit stands out for its valuable educational approach, allowing the public to connect with Costa Rica’s history and cultural identity through the artist’s works
The National Monument Casa de la Cultura Alfredo González Flores, located in the heart of the historic center of the city of Heredia, is currently offering an exhibition dedicated to the renowned Costa Rican painter Manuel Carranza Vargas.
This exhibition, which will be open to the public until May 9, 2025, is an effort by the Ministry of Culture and Youth, through the Juan Santamaría Historical Cultural Museum (MHCJS) and the Directorate of Sociocultural Management.
Manuel Carranza Vargas (1952-2021) stood out for masterfully capturing transcendental episodes in Costa Rican history. His works span from the early years of the nation as an independent country, between 1821 and 1830, to the heroic events of the National Campaign of 1856-1857. Historical figures such as Juan Rafael Mora, “Pancha” Carrasco, and Nicolás Aguilar, among other national heroes, come to life on his canvases, reflecting the artist’s commitment to preserving historical memory. This exhibition also fulfills the painter’s dream of bringing his art to different regions of the country, highlighting his valuable educational contribution.
According to the MHCJS, the exhibition brings together a selection of his most emblematic works, which emphasize the historical and cultural value of art as a bridge between generations. The realization of this exhibition has been supported by the Costa Rican Morista Academy, a learned organization that has contributed to the construction of the historical context of Carranza’s work, enhancing its educational and symbolic richness. The Casa de la Cultura Alfredo González Flores, declared a National Monument in 1994, stands as the ideal setting for this tribute, thanks to its historical and cultural significance.
María Otárola Luna, director of the MHCJS, stated: “It is a great opportunity for more people to view history through the work of Don Manuel Carranza; it is through these paintings that visitors to the Casa Alfredo González Flores will experience the National Campaign of 1856-1857.”
Meanwhile, Esteban Carranza Kooper, a relative of the painter, said: “My father had a dream: that through his works people could learn the national history and that his work would become a didactic resource for young people, students, and the general public. Today, that dream comes true.”
The exhibition will be open with free admission for all visitors, from Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until May 9, reaffirming the commitment to democratize access to culture. A unique opportunity to explore the artistic and historical richness of Costa Rica through the work of Manuel Carranza Vargas!
