If you’ve been to downtown Panama City near the water, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a bright, strangely shaped building in the distance. While many locals may argue on whether they like the design or not, it’s hard not to draw your attention to it. After all, world famous architect Frank Gehry designed it, and getting your attention is kind of his trademark. But it’s more than just a unique design. This building will be the go-to museum for nature lovers, history buffs, and environmentalists. Known officially as a “Biomuseo” it’s the first of its kind in the country, and hopes are that it will both raise awareness, and help promote sustainable tourism and development. It’s officially scheduled to open on October 2nd, however they will have a soft opening on September 30th.
What’s in Store?
While the museum’s main function is to highlight biodiversity, it is also very much focused on communicating a deep message with its design. The museum cost around $100 million and comprises of a main structure, plus six acres of outdoor space that will form a biodiversity park. The park will be made up of a wide variety of local flora and fauna, as well as rare plants, and insects. Observation areas will be set up around the park, while inside, exhibitions will move around the property, each designed to evoke a different awareness of our natural surroundings.
According to Forbes, “Gehry conceived the museum to house a sequence of permanent exhibitions by Bruce Mau Design, but proper usage of outdoor space was also a priority to him. A public outdoor atrium, which is covered by an assemblage of metal canopies in different shapes and strong colors: blue, red, yellow, green, is the museum’s heart. “
Why Panama?
The simple answer would be that Panama is naturally diverse, or that Frank Gehry’s wife is from here. However, Panama is a key location for this type of museum for many different reasons. Primarily, it’s to set a regional example of the vast biodiversity of Panama and Central America, and to draw attention to the necessity of maintaining it. Secondly, it’s situated in an optimal place for international and local tourism, which will help boost the local economy, as well as raise money and awareness for ecological preservation.
Panama is booming in many ways, and the government wants to make sure that they grow and share their culture along with it. The Biomuseo is a refreshing change of pace from the glamor and glitz of downtown, and will be a great educational addition to the people of this country.
Gehry himself couldn’t be happier about the project, and is excited to see how it will unfold once it’s fully opened to the public. According to Gehry, “This has been a very personal project for me. I feel close ties to the people of Panama, and I believe strongly that we should all be trying to conserve biodiversity, which is threatened everywhere. I hope that the design by our team at Gehry Partners, and by my friend and colleague Bruce Mau, will make a real contribution toward the success of the important work of the Biomuseo.”
For more info on the Biomuseo, and how to be a part of the experience, check out their website.
