National Theatre of Panama, Opera house and cultural monument in Panama City, Panama.
The National Theatre is an opera house with neoclassical design featuring six crowned arcades across its main facade. The interior holds 873 spectators across stalls, balconies on multiple levels, an orchestra pit, and a gallery section.
The building was constructed in 1904 on the former grounds of the Conception Convent and opened in 1908 with a performance of Aida. This transformation from religious to cultural space marked a significant shift in Panama's public life.
The ceiling features a large painting by Panamanian artist Roberto Lewis, whose work also appears in the presidential palace. This artwork immediately catches your eye when entering the hall and defines the interior's first impression.
The theater is located in a central area with good accessibility. Plan to take a leisurely walk through the Old City to fully explore the historic surroundings.
The site stands on land previously occupied by a military barracks that locals called 'the nuns' quarters' after a religious order was expelled in 1862. This unexpected past adds another layer to what visitors see today.
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