History
The museum was conceived in 1996, when the board of trustees that oversees its activities was approved and it was decided to rehabilitate the building in which it is located, which dates back to 1874. It opened its doors on September 9, 1997, on the occasion of the celebration of the Universal Canal Congress.
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Grand Hôtel
It was built while the country was building its identity in 1874 and at that time it was known as the Grand Hôtel by George Loew, who came from Alsace, France to lay its foundations. Historical characters gave life to its ample lobby, illuminated patios and high corridors.
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Compagnie Universelle du Canal Interocéanique
Later it was sold to Count Ferdinand de Lesseps and some of its spaces were transformed to become the offices of the Universal Company of the Interoceanic Canal, becoming the home of the New Canal Company. In front of its streets, horses galloped and their squeaking could be heard.
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Isthmian Canal Commission
The building was acquired again, but this time by the United States together with the concession for the construction of the Panama Canal. Many important documents were signed in its chambers. In front of it, carriages passed by on cobblestone avenues and sand.
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POST OFFICE AND TELEGRAPH
In 1915, it was bought by Dr. Belisario Porras, President of Panama, and ministerial offices were installed, becoming the headquarters of the Post and Telegraphs. Carriages of the time were parked under its shadow so that their drivers could send from its enclosure manuscripts of love, fears, victories and defeats. Today you can still see that name on the mosaics at the entrance of the building.
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Panama Canal Museum
In 1996, it was transferred to the Board of Trustees of the Panama Canal Museum, and they arranged its walls. With the ringing of the bells of the Cathedral Plaza, it was inaugurated as the Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum in 1997. That same year the floor that supports it became part of the World Heritage Site thanks to UNESCO. It is a legacy that comes to life to tell a great story that awaits visitors.
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Panama Canal Museum
In 2020, the Museum began an ambitious renovation and restructuring project that completely transforms its permanent exhibitions. This includes the creation of rooms with themes never before addressed, diverse and inclusive narratives, minimalist design, and the introduction of interactive and immersive technology, as well as an increase in its collection. This effort provides visitors with a renewed and enriching experience, redefining the way they interact with the exhibitions.
Mission
The Canal Museum is a non-profit institution at the service of society, which rescues and promotes the historical memory of Panama and its Canal, being a platform for art and culture in all its expressions. We create memorable experiences that exalt Panama's heritage, promote diversity and sustainability, and encourage learning, research, enjoyment, reflection and cultural enrichment.
Pilares
Board of Directors
Hildegard Vásquez
Monique de Saint Malo Eleta
John Cheng
Otto Wolfschoon
Nathalia de Obaldía
Mayka McCalla
Nikolás Liakopulos
Board of Trustees
Organizations
Independent
Juan David Morgan
Miembro honorario
Eduardo Navarro Q.
Mario Lewis
Dani Kuzniecky
Hugo Wood
Eduardo Antonio Quirós
Carlos Urriola
Dagmar de Álvarez
Monique de Saint Malo Eleta
Robbie García
Katherine Shahani
Max Harari
John Cheng
Otto Wolfschoon
Nathalia de Obaldía
Mayka McCalla
Nikolás Liakopulos