National Theater renovations on schedule

The work is on schedule as is the expected to meet deadlines according to Janelle Davidson, General Director of the National Institute of Culture.

So far, the terrace floor has been removed, and construction crews have resurfaced the side walls at the terrace level. The national theatre has been closed since June 2015 when it was decided that renovations would be needed to stop the building from deterioration. It is scheduled to reopen at the beginning of 2019 in time for the Pope’s visit to Panama

The Theater, that dates back to 1908. Historical data shows that in 1904, through Law 52, construction of the National Theater was ordered and the Italian architect Giuseppe Ruggieri was commissioned to design the plans for the theater along with the government palace. Ruggieri also designed the National Institute building. The artistic structure was inaugurated on October 1, 1908, on the occasion of the inauguration of José Domingo de Obaldía as President of the Republic. 

The budget for the renovations is estimated at $15 million, along with the restoration The Panamanian Society of Engineers and Architects (SPIA) is asking for a maintenance plan for the new structure. The plan aims to avoid any future closures, guaranteeing the sustainability of the work currently underway.