Panama, although a small geographic area, has linked hemispheres and empires through its history. The country’s position within a narrow isthmus between continental masses has made it a bridge between continents, oceans, peoples, and ideas for thousands of years. The paradox of Panama, however, is that its difficult geography has also stymied the movement of people and merchandise, especially across the Darién region, an area of dense rainforest, sinuous river systems, and swamps.

The exhibit highlights the geological events that shaped Panama’s role as a bridge and barrier between oceans and continents, documents prehistoric human adaptations, and discusses Panama’s emergence as a vital crossroads following European arrival. It also reviews the establishment of transportation links, including early road systems, the construction of a railroad, and ultimately the Panama Canal, while focusing on the Darién rainforest, an impassable barrier between continents that has nonetheless become one of the heaviest migration routes in the world over the last decade. Finally, it explores the evolution of Panama’s diverse population and rich culture, identifying the major challenges facing this unique country.