Museo del Canal Interoceánico de Panamá

Perhaps the best collection of information about the Panama Canal is appropriately housed in the former headquarters of both the French Canal Company and the United States Isthmian Canal Commission. It was built as the Gran Hotel of the city in 1875, but just six years later became headquarters for the French instead. After many years managing the Canal, it was recommissioned in 1912 to be the main Post Office of Panama instead, and finally took on its current function in 1997. The Museo del Canal Interoceánico de Panamá (Interoceanic Canal Museum) presents a number of excellent exhibits on the Panama Canal, giving historical and political context to the action on the water and the decisions long made inside these walls. There is a small admittance fee, and English-speaking guides and audio tours are available inside.