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The construction of the National Theater began in 1891 and was inaugurated in 1897. It was promoted by the coffee oligarchy that had political power at that time. However, a tax was imposed to all Costa Ricans to achieve its construction. The intention was to have a European-style theater that would serve as amusement place for the bourgeoisie of the time. At that time, a series of national buildings were created to build a nationalist identity based on the Europeanization of the Costa Rican people. This is why the National Theater style is german neo-clasical. There were exclusively Europeans shows, such as operas and classical music concerts. At that time, the theater was the most expensive and hierarchical building in San José and was a symbol of "culture" and development. Today this building does not stop having iconic prominence. Its use has been democratized promoting free shows and diverse cultural activities such as popular dance and Costa Rican music. However, it remains a symbol of power that many Costa Ricans with low incomes do not know inside. I think the symbolic hierarchy can be very understandable to any citizen who knows Western culture.