Alajuela, Costa Rica.

The Juan Santamaría Historical and Cultural Museum will open its doors next Friday, June 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., for the opening of the exhibition “Tribute to Master Edgar Zúñiga,” a show dedicated to honoring the life, work, and legacy of the renowned sculptor from Alajuela on the first anniversary of his passing.

The exhibition brings together a selection of models and photographs of various public art projects created by Edgar Zúñiga, offering the public the opportunity to explore his artistic career, learn about his creative vision, and appreciate his invaluable contribution to Costa Rica’s cultural heritage.

The event is part of a special program organized jointly by the Juan Santamaría Historical and Cultural Museum, the Alajuela Cathedral Parish, the National Technical University Press, and the Zúñiga Salas family. Its aim is to keep alive the memory of one of the most important artists in contemporary Costa Rican sculpture and to highlight the enduring relevance of his legacy in public spaces and in the country’s cultural identity.

A leading figure in Costa Rican sculpture

Édgar Zúñiga was recognized for his innovative artistic approach, characterized by the fusion of abstraction, figurative art, and expressionism with geometric elements. His work straddled the line between modern and contemporary art, and he developed a visual language all his own that established him as one of the most prominent figures in Chilean sculpture.

A specialist in the creation of monumental sculptures in steel, bronze, marble, resin, and wood, Zúñiga conceived works with a profound commemorative, environmental, and social significance, designed to blend harmoniously into public spaces and foster an ongoing dialogue with communities.

His career earned him international recognition. The sculptures are part of the permanent collections of major museums around the world, including the Nichisawua Museum in Toluca, Mexico; the Museum of the Americas of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington; and the Seoul Cultural Center and Museum of Latin American Art in Seoul, South Korea.

Also, his work is on display at the Tokiwa Park Museum of Contemporary Sculpture in Japan, as well as at the Costa Rican Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, and the Open-Air Museum of Contemporary Art in Costa Rica.

Throughout his career, he has installed more than 55 monumental sculptures in public spaces in countries such as Costa Rica, Mexico, Germany, France, the United States, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Italy, Chile, Thailand, Japan, and Canada. In addition, he has created five ephemeral snow sculptures in cities across Canada and the United States, demonstrating the versatility and international reach of his artistic practice.

An open invitation to the community

The opening of “Tribute to Maestro Edgar Zúñiga” will be an opportunity to remember and celebrate the work of an artist whose legacy lives on in plazas, parks, institutions, and public spaces both inside and outside Costa Rica.

The event will take place on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Juan Santamaría Historical and Cultural Museum, and admission will be free for the general public.


The organizers cordially invite the Alajuela community, the cultural sector, and anyone interested in art and national history to join us for this evening of celebration and reflection on the legacy of one of Costa Rica’s greatest sculptors.

Sensorial Sunsets