Museums of Panama

The rich culture and the unique heritage of Panama lives on in its museums and galleries. The capital, Panama City teems with museums and art houses that house priceless collections of artefacts centuries old.

Religious Colonial Art Museum

Located in the historic area of Casco Viejo, this museum dates back to the early 1700s. It is housed in one of the old chapels of the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo and the structure itself is quite appealing and impressive. You can view a collection of religious paintings, silver religious pieces and the golden altar. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and from 1:00-5:00 on Sundays.

Telephone: 228-2897

Panamanian History Museum

The Panamanian History Museum, located in the Municipal Palace Cathedral Plaza in Casco Viejo, offers an impressive and informative collection reflecting the native history. The collection spans across the colonial times to the Torrijos-Carter treaty of 1977. Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Telephone: 228-6231

Museum of Natural Science

Situated on the Cuba Avenue, this museum has exhibits that encompass geology, paleontology, mammals, reptiles, national flora and fauna. The museum is open to public from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and the Sunday timings are 1:00 to 5:00.

Telephone: 225-0645

Afro Antillian Museum

This museum pays tribute to the Afro Antillian workers who worked on the construction of the Panama Canal. Most of these were originally from Haiti, Jamaica and Martinique. There are photographs, artistic and domestic objects from the West Indians. Timings: Tuesday to Saturday: 8:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m, Sunday: 1:00 p.m.to 5:00 p.m.

Telephone: 262-1668

National Bank Museum

This museum houses a fine and valuable collection of coins and paper bills, metallic coins and other financial papers that date back to the 16th century. The museum is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Telephone: 225-0640

Contemporary Art Museum

Located in Ancon, this museum hosts permanent exhibition that display a wide variety of artworks. These include works employing different techniques of oil, frescoes, watercolor, pastels, tints and engravings. Most of the artwork on display is on sale to visitors. Open from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Telephone: 262-8012

Panama Canal Museum

Located in Casco Viejo, the Panama Canal museum has an outstanding exhibit of Panama's historic role since the pre-historic times to the building of the famous Panama Canal. This unique museum is well worth a visit and can be seen from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Sundays.

Telephone: 211-1649

Archaeological Museum of El Caño

This museum introduces you to the Indian Culture and the fascinating displays include burial sites and tombs, ornate columns and a typical hut that represents the home of the Indians with domestic animal and utensils used at the time of the arrival of the Spanish. Located in Plaza Cathedral in Casco Viejo, this museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m.

Telephone: 211-1649