- Address: Avenida 8, Panamá, Panama
- Phone: +507 262-3525
- Capacity: 873 people
- Opening: October 1, 1908
- The time of reconstruction: 1970-2000.
- Architect: Genaro Ruggieri
Panama - a unique country that carefully preserved all the historical and cultural attractions . Among them, a special place is occupied by the National Theater, located in the old part of the city of Panama . Only after visiting it, you will be able to make sure that the capital is both the administrative and cultural center of the country.
History of the National Theater of Panama
The project for the construction of the National Theater of Panama was approved in 1904. For him, the place on which the building of the Catholic monastery of the XVIII century was located earlier was chosen. Initially, a visit to the National Theater was only available to the famous people of Panama and people of high incomes.
In the first years of the theater's existence, it was visited by such famous artists as:
- Anna Pavlova - the greatest Russian ballerina of the XX century;
- Margot Fontaine is a well-known actress of English ballet;
- Jaime Ingram is a pianist who is proud of the whole of Panama.
Closer to the middle of the XX century due to the difficult financial situation the theater was converted into a cinema hall, and then to a club in which school graduation was held. After such changes, the capital's theater was completely closed for an indefinite period of time.
In the 1970s, the leadership of the city of Panama made a decision on a large-scale reconstruction of the building of the National Theater. It lasted until 2004, and in 2008 the grand opening of the renovated theater took place.
The modern National Theater is popular both among residents of Panama, and among the guests of the city. Here performances of local directors and foreign troupes are held, which gather full rooms. The auditorium of the theater is designed for 873 visitors.
Architectural style of theater
The Italian architect Henaro Ruggeri and renowned artist Roberto Luce worked on the construction and decoration of the theater. As the main style was chosen Baroque, so it is not surprising that the adornment of the National Theater of Panama is:
- magnificent stucco molding, which was created by the sculptor Enrico Corrado;
- a huge gilt chandelier;
- cozy gilt balconies;
- carved rails and arches;
- elegant armchairs upholstered in scarlet velvet;
- Draped curtain with gilded brushes.
On the ceiling of the National Theater of Panama there is a picturesque fresco that belongs to the hand of the artist Roberto Lewis. He is known for creating paintings that now decorate the presidential residence of Panama and other important objects of the country.
During the construction of the theater Genaro Ruggier was inspired by the architecture of the Italian operetta theater, but at the same time the echoes of the style of the Catholic monastery are still being read in the facade of the building. That is why many tourists take the National Theater of Panama for a building in which a mysterious Catholic order is assembled.
When you arrive at the National Theater of Panama, you can walk along its spacious lobby or foyer, take a walk on the terrace or sit in a bar. Connoisseurs of cultural recreation and supporters of aesthetic education can make donations to the fund, which is engaged in the preservation of this unique cultural monument.
How to get to the National Theater of Panama?
The National Theater of Panama is located in the city of Panama , almost at the intersection of Avenida B and Calle 2a Este. In 100 meters from it there is a building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country, and in 250 m - presidential residence. In this part of the city it is better to walk or take a taxi. The nearest bus stop (Plaza 5 de Mayo) is 2 km away or an 18-minute walk away. At 350 meters from the station, Estación 5 de Mayo metro station is open.
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