Biomuseo, Panama City (must see)

The Biomuseo in Panama City is a striking museum dedicated to the natural and cultural history of the country, particularly focusing on the geological formation and ecological impact of the Isthmus of Panama. Located on the Amador Causeway, a prominent position at the south entrance of the Panama Canal, the museum is a significant cultural landmark designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Frank Gehry. This structure marks Gehry's first architectural venture in Latin America, with its conception dating back to 1999 and its doors opening to the public on October 2, 2014.

Spanning 4,000 square meters, the Biomuseo offers eight permanent galleries, thoughtfully designed by Bruce Mau Design to provide a sequential journey through the natural history of Panama. The initial five galleries, which opened in 2014, include the Gallery of Biodiversity, Panamarama, Building the Bridge, Worlds Collide, and The Human Path. Each of these spaces provides immersive experiences from an introductory panorama of Panama’s biodiversity to interactive displays detailing the creation of the isthmus and its global ecological implications.

In March 2019, the remaining three galleries were introduced, enriching the visitor experience with Oceans Divided, The Living Web, and Panama is the Museum. These exhibits delve deeper into the diverse marine environments created by the separation of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the interconnectedness of various life forms demonstrated through a living sculpture, and an interactive exploration of Panama's biological and cultural diversity.

The museum complex also includes a public atrium, temporary exhibit spaces, a gift store, a coffee shop, and exterior exhibits set within a botanical garden designed by Edwina von Gal. As a center of learning and cultural engagement, Biomuseo not only celebrates the pivotal role of the Panamanian isthmus in the natural world but also emphasizes the impact of human activity on the environment, urging a reflective consideration of our role in shaping the future of our planet.