The auditorium
Gilded balconies.
Fermín Santana — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Franco4444 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Jasmy — CC BY-SA 3.0 · ADelBarrioB — CC BY-SA 3.0
An elegant neoclassical theatre in the heart of the old quarter, opened in 1908, a few years after Panama's independence, among the first symbols of the young republic. Its pink-and-yellow façade has columns, arches and statues, and it stands on the site of an old convent. Its finest feature is the horseshoe-shaped auditorium with three tiers of gilded balconies, a ceiling with a huge painting by Panamanian artist Roberto Lewis showing the birth of the republic through allegorical figures, and a large chandelier hanging at the centre. The upper floor has an elegant foyer with paintings and mirrors. The theatre has been restored several times and still hosts classical music, ballet, drama and national galas. You can see inside on short tours outside performance times, or catch an evening show. It is a few steps from the Plaza de Francia and the Canal Museum. Casco Viejo is fairly safe by day with tourist police around, but avoid the neighbouring districts after dark and use registered taxis.
Gilded balconies.
The republic's birth.
Paintings and mirrors.
Avenida B, Casco Viejo, Panama City
Panama Canal MuseumA museum in an elegant white building on the old quarter's main square, a grand 3 minutes walk4.5
Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)Panama City's historic district, built on a small peninsula and settled in 1673 4 minutes walk
Plaza de FranciaAn elegant square at the far southern end of the old quarter, on the edge of the4 minutes walk4.7
Cinta Costera WaterfrontA long modern waterfront on the Bay of Panama, built on land reclaimed from the 19 minutes walk4.4Yes, on short tours outside performance times or by seeing an evening show; check opening times first.