Panama Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Panama, popularly called MAC Panamá, is the only museum of contemporary art that exists in Panama. It is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that has legal status and its building is located in Panama City. The institution was founded in 1962 as the Panamanian Institute of Art, in 1983 it became the current museum.
The museum is in charge for being a cultural institution for the diffusion of knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art, promoting cultural and creative development. Its collections are made up of more than 700 works created by Panamanian and Latin American artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
History
The Panamanian Institute of Art was founded in 1962 as a non-profit institution dedicated to promoting Panamanian art. In 1983 it became the Museum of Contemporary Art of Panama, a private entity paid for by companies and art lovers.At its foundation, in 1962, the Panamanian Institute of Art, operated in rented premises and, in addition to art exhibitions, presented plays, concerts and films by renowned directors. Despite not having its own facilities, it had a large number of exhibitions by renowned Panamanian and Latin American artists, receiving a work from each exhibitor as a donation. In this way, it was creating a valuable collection, but without its own shelter.
In 1983, the Panarte board of directors decided to look for walls for the Collection, so that it could continue to grow in size and excellence. A great campaign was started, where many people and companies contributed. With what was contributed in addition to a loan from the Panama Savings Bank, it was possible to buy and remodel the old Masonic Temple located in Ancón, in the Former Panama Canal Zone. In this way, it was possible to give walls to the permanent collection and the Museum of Contemporary Art, belonging to Panarte, was created.
The transformation process was carried out by Coqui Calderón and Graciela de Eleta who received the Order of Vasco Núñez de Balboa as recognition.
Collections
The museum is made up of around 1,200 works of art, the MAC collection has specific works from dates prior to 1962, which allow us to complete a panoramic vision of the styles of the 20th century. It covers all techniques: painting, sculpture, graphics, photography and, more recently, installations. It features works by prominent artists, both Panamanian and Latin American.The permanent collection includes:
- Works by Panamanian artists.
- Works from the 20th century to the present.
- Works by renowned international artists.
- Historical memory of Panamanian Art.