Panama City, Panama, Panama, Central America

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Teatro Nacional

Panama City


Built in 1907, the interior of this ornate Casco Viejo theater has been completely restored. It boasts red and gold decorations, a once-magnificent ceiling mural by Roberto Lewis (one of Panama’s finest painters) and an impressive crystal chandelier. Performances are still held here. For information visit the office at the side of the building.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Panama City attractions

1. Iglesia de San Francisco

0.04 MILES

This restored 17th-century church exhibits Gothic, Romantic and Renaissance architectural influences.

2. Parque Bolívar

0.06 MILES

In 1826, in a schoolroom opposite this Casco Viejo park, Simón Bolívar held a meeting urging the union of the Latin American countries. Bolívar eventually…

3. Museo de Arte Religioso Colonial

0.06 MILES

Housed beside the ruins of the Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo, the Museo de Arte Religioso Colonial has a collection of colonial-era religious…

4. Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo

0.07 MILES

Built in 1678, these gorgeous ruins in Casco Viejo are what remain after two major fires brought down the church's tower and interior areas. Left are the…

5. Plaza de la Independencia

0.11 MILES

In this plaza, in the heart of Casco Viejo, Panama declared its independence from Colombia on November 3, 1903.

6. Museo del Canal Interoceánico

0.11 MILES

This impressive museum is housed in a beautifully restored building that once served as the headquarters for the original French canal company. The Panama…

7. Palacio de las Garzas

0.13 MILES

The Palacio de las Garzas is named after the great garzas blancas (white herons) that reside here. The president of Panama lives on the upper floor.

8. Palacio Municipal

0.13 MILES

This neoclassical Casco Viejo building, dating to 1910, houses the modest Museo de Historia de Panamá.