National Museum’s Restoration Sparks Controversy

Costa Rica’s National Museum is set in what used to be the “Bellavista” Fort which guarded the Costa Rican military just before it was abolished. One of the attractions the National Museum offers its visitors are the bullet holes visible on its southern wall and tower.

The National Museum building has been undergoing restoration over the past few days as part of its modernization process. However, several neighbors have denounced that the famous bullet holes are disappearing under the cement plaster.

The Bellavista’s bullet holes date back to 1949 after the future president of Costa Rica, Pepe Figueres, abolished the Costa Rican army as an act of restoring trust and hope. The then Minister of Public Security and Government Board, Edgar Cardona, along with a colleague decided to take control of the Bellavista Fort .

Government forces then surrounded the fort and exchanged firing. Cardona eventually had to surrender after 9 men died and 30 were wounded. The southern wall of the Bellavista was left with the bullet holes as a reminder of the failed attempt by Cardona and his men.

A spokesperson for the National Museum has assured that the bullet holes are not being covered and they have no intention in doing so. As a matter of fact, the spokesperson mentioned that the renovation has been approved by the Patrimony Center of the Ministry of Cult.