Panama Canal Museum, Panama City (must see)

The Panama Canal Museum documents the long and complex history of the canal, tracing its development from early ambitions to its eventual transfer from U.S. control to the Panamanian government in 1999. Through maps, photographs, engineering plans, and personal accounts, the exhibitions explain how one of the world’s most important waterways came into being. In the lobby, visitors will notice a large original Fresnel lens, once used in a lighthouse along the canal route.

The museum building itself is historically significant. Constructed in 1874, it originally served as the headquarters of the French Universal Interoceanic Canal Company, which led the first canal attempt. In 1912, it was repurposed as Panama City’s main post office, further embedding it in the civic life of the city. Inside, the museum is arranged over several levels, each focusing on a different phase of the canal’s history. Exhibits explore the global interest in creating a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the immense challenges that delayed its realization.

The museum gives particular attention to the French attempt of the 1880s, which was ultimately abandoned after costs spiraled and tens of thousands of workers died, primarily from disease. The narrative then shifts to the American-led effort, highlighting advances in engineering, disease control, and organization that made completion possible. Another key focus is daily life on the canal. Exhibits examine the experiences of workers who arrived from dozens of countries and whose labor made the project possible.

Tip: Most exhibit text is presented in Spanish. An English-language audio guide is available and can be helpful for visitors who prefer narrated explanations.