Biomuseo

A striking Frank Gehry-designed museum on the Amador Causeway telling the story of how Panama's isthmus changed the world's biodiversity. Its colorful, angular architecture is a landmark in itself.

Things to do

• Admire Gehry's architecture — Photograph the vibrant, chaotic roof panels of red, yellow, blue and green that make this Frank Gehry's only building in Latin America.
• Explore the Biodiversity galleries — Walk through eight permanent exhibition spaces that explain how the rise of the Panama isthmus three million years ago reshaped the planet's climate and species.
• Stand in the Panamarama — Experience the immersive three-story projection room surrounded by ten screens showing Panama's land and sea ecosystems.
• See the Great Exchange sculptures — View the dramatic hall filled with life-size animal figures depicting the migration of species between North and South America.
• Wander the botanical garden — Stroll the surrounding gardens planted with native Panamanian species and enjoy open views over the Pacific entrance to the Canal.
• Walk the Amador Causeway — Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride along the palm-lined causeway built from Panama Canal excavation rock, linking four islands.
• Watch ships enter the Canal — From the causeway near the museum, spot massive cargo vessels lining up to enter the Pacific side of the Panama Canal.

Food to try

• Ceviche — Sample fresh Panamanian ceviche of corvina or shrimp cured in lime and cilantro, sold at nearby causeway kiosks and the Mercado de Mariscos across the bay.
• Sancocho — Try Panama's national comfort soup of chicken, yam-like ñame and cilantro, considered a cure-all by locals.
• Patacones — Snack on twice-fried green plantain discs served crisp and salty as a side or street snack.
• Raspao — Cool off with this shaved-ice treat drizzled with fruit syrup and condensed milk, sold from carts along the causeway.
• Pescado frito — Enjoy whole fried fish with coconut rice at Amador and Mercado de Mariscos seafood spots nearby.
• Chicheme — Refresh with this sweet corn, milk and cinnamon drink that's a traditional Panamanian favorite.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive by causeway transport — There is no metro stop nearby, so take a taxi, rideshare or rent a bike, as the museum sits partway along the Amador Causeway.
• Bring sun protection — The exposed causeway location gets very hot and bright, so wear a hat and sunscreen even between indoor galleries.
• Check opening days — The Biomuseo is typically closed on Mondays, so plan your visit for Tuesday through Sunday.
• Tip and use small bills — Panama uses the US dollar (called the balboa), and small cash tips are appreciated at cafes and by guides.

Nearby

• Amador Causeway — 2 km
• Casco Viejo — 2 km
• Panama City — 6 km
• Metropolitan Natural Park — 7 km