The Arnoldo Herrera González Theater is the performance venue of the Castella Conservatory, Costa Rica’s pioneering arts-and-academics school. Inaugurated in Sabana Norte in 1953, it remains an active stage where students present concerts, dance and theater to the public at accessible prices.
Location and How to Get There
- Address: Sabana Norte, next to the Nissan dealership, Mata Redonda district, San José
- GPS coordinates: 9.938008, -84.099183 (9°56’16.83″N, 84°05’57.06″W)
- Postal code: 10108
The theater sits on the north side of La Sabana Metropolitan Park, San José’s largest green space. The Nissan dealership on Sabana Norte is the landmark locals use to give directions.
View driving directions from Central Park, San José
Performances and Tickets
The conservatory runs a public season it calls the Cartelera Cultural — performances where the community can see the work of its students. Programming covers three areas:
- Concerts — student musicians in public seasons
- Dance and movement — staged productions across disciplines
- Theater — plays, open rehearsals and dramatic workshops
Productions typically run on weekends, with a Saturday afternoon and a Sunday morning performance. The April 2026 production, Un poquitico de nuestro país, was staged on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Ticket prices
Admission to the April 2026 production was ₡3,000 (roughly US$6). Prices may vary by production.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are sold in advance through the conservatory’s Junta Administrativa, and advance purchase is strongly recommended — sales close the day before the performance.
- In person: at the conservatory’s tiendita (school shop), run by the Junta Administrativa
- By SINPE Móvil: transfer to the Junta Administrativa, then send the payment receipt to the same number along with the date of the performance you are attending
- At the door: cash only on the day of the event
Note for international visitors: SINPE Móvil is Costa Rica’s mobile payment system, operated by the Central Bank and linked to a local phone number. It generally requires a Costa Rican bank account, so visitors from abroad will usually need to buy in person or pay cash at the door.
Current dates, prices and the Junta Administrativa’s contact number are published by the conservatory at castellacr.com.
Where to find upcoming performances
The conservatory announces each production on social media, usually before it appears anywhere else. Posters include dates, times, ticket price and payment instructions:
About the Castella Conservatory
Founded in 1953, the Castella Conservatory built a model few believed in at the time: a standard academic curriculum combined with daily artistic practice. It was established on land beside La Sabana Park, donated together with 100,000 colones by Carlos Millet de Castella.
The school teaches five artistic disciplines — music, dance and ballet, theater, visual arts, and literary creation — alongside regular schooling. Its main campus is now in Barreal de Heredia, while the original 1953 building in Sabana Norte continues to serve as its theater.
The Legacy of Arnoldo Herrera González
The theater carries the name of the conservatory’s founder. Son of composer Mariano Herrera, he began musical training in early childhood, taught music at fifteen, and at nineteen won a scholarship to Mexico, where he studied composition under Rodolfo Halffter and orchestral conducting under Carlos Chávez.
He returned to Costa Rica in 1948 and led the National Symphony Orchestra, first on an interim basis and later as a guest conductor, while teaching at the University of Costa Rica, the Normal School in Heredia, and Seminario High School. In 1960 he directed the National Opera, contributing to a revival of Costa Rican bel canto.
Thirty-eight years after founding the conservatory, his work was recognized with the Magón Award, Costa Rica’s highest cultural honor. He directed the institution for over 43 years and died on March 4, 1996. His clearest legacy is the long list of Castella graduates who went on to teach themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Castella Conservatory Theater located?
In Sabana Norte, next to the Nissan dealership, in the Mata Redonda district of San José, on the north side of La Sabana Metropolitan Park. GPS coordinates are 9.938008, -84.099183.
Is the theater open to the public?
Yes. The conservatory runs a public season of concerts, dance productions and theater performances presented by its students. Anyone can attend.
How much do tickets cost?
Admission to the April 2026 production was ₡3,000, roughly US$6. Prices may vary by production.
How do I buy tickets?
In advance at the conservatory’s tiendita, or by SINPE Móvil transfer to the Junta Administrativa with the payment receipt sent to the same number. Cash is accepted at the door on the day of the performance. Advance sales close the day before.
What time do performances start?
Productions typically run on weekends. The April 2026 season had a Saturday performance at 2:00 p.m. and a Sunday performance at 10:00 a.m.
Who was Arnoldo Herrera González?
He founded the Castella Conservatory in 1953 and directed it for over 43 years. A composer and conductor trained in Mexico, he led Costa Rica’s National Symphony Orchestra and received the Magón Award. He died in 1996 and the theater carries his name.
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