Panama City’s Art, Galleries & History
You will be picked up at your Panama City hotel by your private guide. Today’s agenda is flexible and crafted just for you! Design your day with your guide according to what you are most interested in. Latin American art, culture and history, street art, graffiti, indigenous handcrafts, local markets, fine art galleries, and museums - where do you want to start?
Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its charming cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, colorful street art, and rich historical significance. Explore local galleries, art shops, and handcraft markets where you meet local artisans who display their creations, from woven baskets to jewelry, allowing you to take home a piece of Panamanian craftsmanship. Your guide will also provide insights into the area's history, from its founding in 1673 to its role in constructing the Panama Canal and the challenges it faced over the centuries. Its blend of Spanish, French, and American architectural influences offers a tangible connection to Panama's complex past. The Mola Museum near Plaza Herrera is known for its captivating exhibits of indigenous art and intricate Molas, traditional textiles created by the Guna people. Lunch is being served at a local restaurant.
Panama City’s only contemporary art museum (MAC), located in the former Canal Zone in Ancon, offers cutting-edge exhibitions, installations, and thought-provoking pieces that reflect the ever-evolving world of contemporary art of Panama and beyond. While not a traditional gallery, MAC Panama is a must-visit for contemporary art enthusiasts.
The iconic Biodiversity Museum, a masterpiece designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, is one of Panama’s best museums, located on the picturesque Amador Causeway, with stunning views of Panama City’s skyline and the entrance of the Panama Canal. The Biomuseo impresses with its unique architecture and informative exhibits on Panama's remarkable biodiversity, giving an understanding of the isthmus's vital role in the world's ecological diversity.
Downtown Panama City is home to a diverse array of art galleries that showcase the works of Panamanian, Latin American, and international artists. The exhibitions range from traditional paintings and sculptures to contemporary installations and multimedia art.
Galleries and art shops in Casco Viejo:
Weil Art - Contemporary Latin American Art & Sculptures | Casco Viejo (daily 10 am - 6 pm)
Diablo Rosso - Gallery that features young Panamanian artists (Tue-Sat, 1-6 pm, Sun 11 am -4 pm)
Karavan Gallery- Local Art & Design (Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am - 3 pm)
Galeria de Arte Indigena - large selection of indigenous handicrafts (daily 9 am - 7 pm)
Mola Museum - exhibits of indigenous art & Molas (Tue-Fri 10 am - 4:30 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am - 5 pm)
Galleries and art shops in downtown and eastern Panama City:
Galería Habitante - Contemporary Art | Bella Vista (Mon-Fri 9 am - 6 pm, Sat 10 am -2:30 pm)
Mateo Sariel Galería - Contemporary Art | Coco del Mar (Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm, Sat 10 am -2 pm)
NG Art Gallery - Contemporary Art | Plaza Bay Mall, Ave. Balboa (Mon-Sat 9 am - 7 pm)
Legacy Fine Art - Contemporary Art | Ave. Balboa (Mon-Fri 09:30 am - 5 pm)
Reprosa - Pre-Columbian Art and Jewelry | Costa del Este (Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:00 pm)
Museums:
MAC Panamá - Museum of Contemporary Art (Tue-Sun 10 am - 5 pm)
Biomuseo- designed by Frank Gehry (Tue-Fri 10 am - 3 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am - 4 pm)