Art City Tour once again lights up San José’s nights with its summer edition “Vacations in Chepe.” After its last outing in May, the capital’s most anticipated cultural initiative returns on Thursday, July 10, 2025, with a multidisciplinary tour brimming with art, music and interactive experiences.
The Return of the Event
Born in 2009, Art City Tour has reached 76 editions and over 143,000 attendees. This comeback after the mid-year break marks the start of a summer filled with culture and community.
Representatives from GAM Cultural, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute and the Ministry of Culture highlight the importance of reactivating these nighttime circuits to energize urban life and reinforce a sense of civic belonging.
Format and Logistics
Art City Tour is a public–private project connecting 11 cultural venues through three nightly routes, with free shuttle buses and closed-loop circuits.
Admission is guaranteed through prior registration and a unique QR code that validates access to museums, galleries and performances. Capacity is limited to 3,000 participants, so reserving your spot in advance is essential.
July 2025 Edition: “Vacations in Chepe”
Date and Time
- Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Three Themed Routes
- Rediscover San José (ICT)
- Grupo INS
- Escalante
Participating Venues
- National Museum
- Jade Museum
- Talentum Gallery
- National Theatre
- Central Bank Museums
- French Alliance
- Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
- Amón Solar
- San José Cultural Center
- Spanish Cultural Center
- Calderón Guardia Museum
Featured Experiences
- Exhibitions exploring Costa Rican historical memory and identity
- Participatory performances, from contemporary dance to street theatre
- Folkloric dance and music workshops open to all audiences
- Urban art proposals and collaborative murals in emblematic neighborhoods
Practical Guide for Attending
- Register: visit the Art City Tour website, scan your QR code and secure your spot
- Combine routes based on your interests and plan your travel times
- Download the official app for interactive maps and real-time notifications
- Safety tips: wear comfortable shoes, bring a flashlight and stick to the schedule
Local Voices
“This nighttime format revitalizes the city and brings art closer to all audiences,” says María Rodríguez, project manager at GAM Cultural.
For urban artist Luis Ramírez, “it’s a unique opportunity to engage with the public in iconic spaces.”
Veteran attendee Carlos Mora recalls, “Each edition surprises me with emerging projects I wouldn’t see otherwise.”
Future Outlook
The next edition will be “Night in White” on November 21, 2025, featuring new partnerships and sustainability challenges.
Plans include incorporating augmented reality and expanding coverage to peripheral districts.
The goal is to make San José a benchmark for urban culture and civic participation.
