History
The Canal Museum is a non-profit institution that promotes and rescues the historical memory of Panama and its Canal, being one of the most important tourist destinations in the country. Our objective is to contribute to the formation of the community by facilitating cultural experiences that promote its integral development.
Grand Hôtel
I was built while our country was building its identity in 1874 and in those times I was known as the Grand Hôtel by George Loew, who came from Alsace, France to lay my foundations. Historical characters gave life to my spacious lobby, lighted courtyards and high corridors.
Compagnie Universelle du Canal Interocéanique
Then I was sold to Count Ferdinand de Lesseps and some of my spaces were transformed to become the offices of the Universal Company of the Interoceanic Canal, so I was home to the New Canal Company. In front of my streets the horses galloped and you could hear them squeaking.
Isthmian Canal Commission
Later I was sold again, but this time it was to the United States along with the concession for the construction of the Panama Canal. Many important documents were signed in my chambers. In front of me, carriages passed by on cobblestone avenues and sand.
POST OFFICE AND TELEGRAPH
In 1915, I was bought by Dr. Belisario Porras, President of Panama, and ministerial offices were installed. I was the headquarters of the Post and Telegraphs. Cars of the time parked under my shadow so that their drivers could send from my enclosure manuscripts of love, fears, victories and defeats. Today you can still see that name on the mosaics at the entrance of the building.
Panama Canal Museum
In 1996, I was transferred to the Board of Trustees of the Canal Museum and they arranged my walls. With the ringing of the bells of the Cathedral Plaza, I was inaugurated as the Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum in 1997. That same year the floor that supports me became part of the World Heritage Site thanks to UNESCO. I am a legacy that comes to life to tell you a great story that is waiting for you.
Mission
To create memorable experiences of historical value that exalt Panama's heritage and encourage learning, research and cultural enrichment.
The Panama Canal Museum offers high-tech permanent and temporary exhibits with more than 1,350 pieces displayed on three floors in Casco Antiguo. Our extensive historical content stimulates learning, generates experiences during moments of conviviality and contributes to the development of identity and sense of belonging of our visitors.
Board of Directors
Hildegard Vásquez
Monique de Saint Malo Eleta
Gabi Saiz
John C. Cheng E.
Natalia De Obaldia
Mayka Mc Calla
Nikolás Liakopulos Falcon
Board of Trustees
Organizations
Presidencia de la República
Canal de Panamá
Autoridad de Turismo
Ministerio de Cultura
Alcaldía de Panamá
Club Kiwanis
Fundación San Felipe
Smithsonian
Fundación Calicanto
ICOMOS
Independent
Juan David Morgan
Eduardo Navarro Q.
Mario Lewis
Dani Kuzniecky
Carlos Ehrman
Eduardo Antonio Quirós
Carlos Urriola
Dagmar de Álvarez
Monique de Saint Malo Eleta
Otto Wolfschoon
Katherine Shahani
Max Harari
Touch
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