Gehry's Biomuseo finally opens in Panama
In the pipeline since 1999, Panama’s Biomuseo has finally opened to the public. Designed by famous architect Frank Gehry, the museum aims to celebrate the history of Central America's isthmus as one of the world's most diverse ecosystems.
Situated near the mouth of the Panama Canal, the impressive structure houses eight galleries with 4,000sq m (43,055 sq ft) of exhibition space. These eight galleries are fully interactive, immersing visitors in everything from “the isthmus of Panama to the biological and climatic changes that transformed the natural world we know today.”
Biomuseo also features areas designed for temporary exhibitions, a shop, café, public atrium and botanical garden.
The Biomuseo boasts Gehry’s signature design traits, composed of brightly coloured metallic curves seemingly floating above the structure. The Biomuseo is comparable in style to Gehry’s other works such as the Guggenheim Bilbao in Spain.
The facility was ready to launch in Fenruary 2014, but delays for the 43,000sq m (452,084sq ft) facility saw the opening was pushed back to this month (October).