A cultural institution in Panama City is marking a significant anniversary this month. The Afro-Antillean Museum of Panama celebrates 46 years of operation as a key space dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of Afro-descendant communities in the country. Museum officials confirmed the milestone during a recent tour of the facility.
Visitors can explore historical artifacts, photographs, documents and period room recreations. These exhibits showcase fundamental aspects of life for Afro-Antillean communities that helped shape Panama’s development. The museum building itself was constructed in 1910 by workers from Barbados. Seven decades later, the structure was transformed into a museum to preserve the historical memory of the Afro-descendant communities in Panama.
A Guide Shares Stories From the Collection
Miriam Gómez has worked as a museum guide for more than 20 years. During a tour with TVN Noticias, she highlighted some of the most representative pieces in the collection. One item that draws particular attention is a vintage hair care set used decades ago.
This set of feminine beauty consists of a comb for styling hair with its respective small stove. Once the comb was very hot, with a simple Vaseline or kerosene, as it was called in those times, they would run it through the hair and style it, Gómez explained. [Translated from Spanish]
The museum also contains recreations of Afro-Antillean home interiors from over 60 years ago. These displays allow visitors to appreciate daily life from that era. An antique radio stands out as a key piece within the exhibition.
The radio is important because we must remember that in earlier times there was no television and this piece could be more than 80 years old, the guide noted. [Translated from Spanish]
Another popular area focuses on traditional cooking. The kitchen exhibit features ovens, irons and tubs used for household tasks by past generations. These objects connect modern visitors with the domestic labor of their ancestors.
A Legacy Spanning Nearly Five Decades
The Afro-Antillean Museum has maintained a consistent historical focus throughout its 46 years of existence. Its exhibitions trace the trajectory of Afro-descendants in Panama through history, photography, architecture and elements of everyday life. The institution continues to contribute to preserving a fundamental legacy for national identity.
Museum officials say the institution serves as a vital educational resource. School groups and international tourists regularly visit the facility. The museum’s collection continues to grow through donations from community members and historical research.
The building’s architecture itself tells a story. Constructed by Barbadian workers during the construction of the Panama Canal, the structure represents the physical labor of Afro-Antillean immigrants. These workers and their families built communities that transformed Panama’s cultural landscape.
Future plans include expanded digital exhibits and community outreach programs. Museum administrators hope to attract younger visitors through modern technology while maintaining the institution’s historical integrity. The 46th anniversary celebration includes special guided tours and educational activities for local schools.
Panama’s Afro-Antillean heritage remains a vital part of the nation’s multicultural identity. The museum stands as a testament to the contributions of these communities. Their influence extends beyond history into contemporary Panamanian music, cuisine and social life.