National Theater of Panama – 2019 Reinaguration

After four years and more than fifteen million dollars invested, the National Theater of Panama was reinaugurated on October 1st by Panama’s President, Laurentino Cortizo.

“This is an important ceremony because 111 years ago, on October 1, 1908, the theater’s doors opened for the first time. It is one of Panama’s most emblematic architectural works, built between 1905 and 1908,” Cortizo explained during the opening ceremony.

The National Theater of Panama, located in the heart of Casco Viejo next to the Church of San Francisco and the Plaza Bolivar, is a representative work of Panama’s neoclassical architecture. Prior to the theater’s construction, the site was occupied by the former convent of the Cloistered Nuns of the Embodiment until 1862, when the government of General Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera made it a military barracks. The theater was designed by Italian architect Genaro Ruggieri in the Italian operetta style. Its construction was ordered by Act 52 of 1904. Check out the National Theater and more on this Casco Viejo Walking  Tour.

The theater has capacity to accommodate 853 people, distributed in amphitheater, stalls, two floors of balconies, pit for the orchestra and a gallery.

Panama’s Minister of Culture, Carlos Aguilar, said that “all renovated infrastructure belonging to Panama’s cultural and national heritage will be well maintained and protected to safeguard what gives us identity and self-esteem.” Aguilar invited citizens to visit the theater and to take advantage of the available tours to learn more about its history.

National Theater of Panama Upcoming Events

October 2019

October 17 – Traditional Folkloric Gala
October 18 – Ricardo Miró Awards
October 23 & 24 – Contemporary Dance Performance “Refistuleros”

November 2019

November 5 to 17 – Musical “1903”
November 21 – Roberto Lewis Awards
November 27 – Roque Cordero Awards
November 31 & December 1 – Performance “Panama de Mil Colores”

December 2019

December 12 – Horacio Valdés Concert
December 19 to 22 – Christmas Show
December 27 & 28 – El Quijote – Panama Ballet Festival

National Theater of Panama Renovation

The renovation, which was initially estimated to cost 11 million dollars, was divided into two areas: the restoration of Roberto Lewis‘s works, considered priceless, and the building’s structure, including the ceilings, stage and outdoor terraces.

In addition to Roberto Lewis’s work, the works of decorator Enrico Conrado and Italian architect Genaro Ruggieri were renovated as well.