Historic UCR Music School Faces Possible Closure

The historic building that houses the University of Costa Rica’s School of Musical Arts could lose its operating permit after health inspectors found infrastructure and sanitation problems, including openings that allow raccoons to enter the facility. The Ministry of Health gave the university until Monday, July 20, to comply with a sanitary order issued after an inspection in April. The order requires the university to address the building’s structural problems, eliminate areas where animals can shelter and improve waste-management practices. Failure to comply could lead to penalties ranging from a temporary closure to the cancellation of the school’s sanitary operating permit. One of the most visible problems involves raccoons entering through openings near the building’s roof and exterior eaves. The animals have reportedly gained access to classrooms, offices and other interior spaces. The School of Musical Arts has responded with cleaning and disinfection, more frequent garbage collection and efforts to seal entry points. However, administrators say those measures have reduced the problem without providing a permanent solution. University officials say the aging building requires broader structural work that the music school cannot complete with its own budget. The UCR rector’s office submitted a corrective plan to health authorities in June and requested additional time to carry out the repairs. The university has said that concerns about the building’s condition were raised internally as early as 2023. Since then, the school has sought technical support and funding for repairs. The building contains classrooms, rehearsal rooms, administrative offices, a music library and spaces used for concerts and academic research. A closure would disrupt lessons, rehearsals and other activities while the university looks for temporary locations or completes the required work. The School of Musical Arts is now waiting for the Ministry of Health to decide whether to approve the corrective plan and extend the deadline. No closure had been officially announced as of Monday morning.