On Tuesday, June 24, the Ministry of Culture and Youth, through the National Theatre of Costa Rica (TNCR), inaugurated the restoration of the emblematic artworks Musas I and II, created by renowned Italian set designer Carlo Ferrario (1833–1907), located on the ceiling of the former men’s cantina on the south side of the first vestibule of the heritage building.
This restoration is part of the project titled “The Conservation of the National Theatre of Costa Rica: History, Diagnostic Sciences, Aesthetic Techniques for Reintegration of Missing Sections in Painting Restoration,” which began in 2015 as part of a cooperation initiative between the Italo-Latin American International Organization (IILA), the National Theatre of Costa Rica, the Institute of Arts Research (IIArte) at the University of Costa Rica, with the support of the Italian Embassy in Costa Rica and the Costa Rican Embassy in Italy, and funded by the Government of Italy (DGCS/MAECI).
In conjunction with the event, the public will also enjoy the exhibition “Vissi d’Arte… Italy in the Theatres of Latin America,” available through July 31, 2025, in this space.
“Today, the Muses awaken once again in our National Theatre—more vivid, more luminous—thanks to the fruitful dialogue between Costa Rica and Italy. This restoration not only beautifies a physical space; it renews our belief in cultural cooperation as an act of love between peoples. I am deeply grateful to the Italian Government and IILA for this gesture that honors our memory and gives wings to Costa Rican artistic creation. May this hall become, from now on, the temple of new muses—our own,” stated Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth.
Alberto Colella, Ambassador of Italy to Costa Rica, added: “It is an honor for this Embassy to accompany the inauguration of the restoration of the artworks Musa I and II (1897) by Italian master Carlo Ferrario—a testimony to the deep artistic and historical bond between Italy and Latin America. Thanks to the expert work of IILA, these pieces regain their original splendor today, restoring a fundamental part of the National Theatre’s cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the exhibition ‘Vissi d’Arte… Italy in the Theatres of Latin America’ invites us to explore a shared history of creativity, beauty, and collaboration, which has enriched both our stages and our relationships between nations. This double celebration reflects Italy’s ongoing commitment to the promotion of art, culture, and international cooperation,” the ambassador concluded.
Guillermo Madriz, General Director of the National Theatre, expressed: “On behalf of the National Theatre of Costa Rica and the Ministry of Culture and Youth, we sincerely thank the Government of Italy, through its Embassy in Costa Rica, and the Italo-Latin American International Organization for their generosity in restoring the pictorial works Musas I and II. This project symbolizes the preservation of the artistic and cultural heritage that unites us, strengthening the bonds between our nations. We hope this initiative inspires future efforts in conservation and cultural promotion, and helps advance the work of Costa Rican restorers who took part in this collaborative project.”
The project, developed in three modules, was designed for professionals from Costa Rica and Central America. It was conceived as a theoretical and practical training course in the conservation and restoration of decorative and pictorial works. The restoration of Musas I and II was executed over the course of one year, beginning in April 2024 and concluding in 2025. The work was carried out by Luis Guillermo Fournier and Kimberly González, under the supervision of the National Theatre’s Conservation Department and oversight by Marcia Fallas.
Project overview:
The restoration initiative included four phases:
- Preliminary study and diagnosis of the artworks’ conservation status, forming the basis for designing the cooperation project, carried out with an interdisciplinary team from the University of Costa Rica.
- Technical theoretical-practical training: International course “The Conservation of Pictorial Heritage: The Case of the National Theatre of Costa Rica. History, Diagnostic Sciences, and Aesthetic Techniques for Reintegration of Missing Sections in Painting Restoration” (2023).
- Design of the restoration project: 2023–2024
- Execution of the conservation and restoration work: 2024–2025.
About the artwork
These emblematic pieces—Musas I and II—by Italian set designer Carlo Ferrario form part of the original decorative ensemble of the National Theatre of Costa Rica and represent a valuable artistic legacy from the 19th century. Their restoration marks a vital step in preserving Costa Rica’s cultural heritage and reaffirms the institution’s commitment to protecting and enhancing its historical assets.
Beyond preserving the works themselves, the project significantly improves the visual quality of the Enrique Echandi Gallery exhibition space, where the paintings will once again be on display to the public. This enhancement enriches visitors’ experience and elevates the TNCR’s reputation as a benchmark for artistic excellence in Costa Rica and the region.
The initiative also highlights the importance of international cooperation, benefiting from technical and cultural support from Italian institutions and promoting the exchange of knowledge in the field of artistic restoration and conservation.
