National Theatre of Panama
Neoclassical 1908 theatre in the Casco Antiguo, with ceiling frescoes by Roberto Lewis and a full season.
The National Theatre occupies part of a monumental block in the Casco Antiguo of Panama City that also houses the Ministry of Government. It was built between 1905 and 1908, shortly after Panama separated from Colombia, to designs by the Italian architect Genaro Ruggieri, who had earlier worked on theatres in Italy. The neoclassical building opened on 1 October 1908 with a performance of Verdi's Aida.
The horseshoe auditorium holds around 850 people across stalls and three tiers of boxes, lit by a chandelier of Austrian crystal. Its best-known feature is the ceiling of allegorical frescoes painted by the Panamanian artist Roberto Lewis, restored after decades of neglect. The theatre has been repaired and re-equipped several times since the 1970s and is run by the Patronato del Teatro Nacional, presenting ballet, opera, symphonic concerts, musicals and folklore galas.
Highlights
- Ceiling frescoes by Roberto Lewis, restored to their original scheme
- Horseshoe auditorium of about 850 seats with three tiers of boxes
- Opened on 1 October 1908 with Verdi's Aida
- Within the Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage district
