The restoration of the Panama National Theater was recognized with the Magnus Award in the category of Restoration, during the 70 edition of the contest of best works of architecture organized by the Panamanian Society of Engineers and Architects (SPIA), one of the highest awards of the sector in the country.

That recognition distinguishes projects that stand out for their technical excellence, rigour in their heritage conservation and cultural impact, highlighting those works that contribute significantly to urban development and to the preservation of national historic memory.

The restoration was led by architect Manuel Choy, with project management by AYESA and the performance of the AFORCOSA contractor. The artistic restoration works of the 20th century frescoes by master Roberto Lewis were under the direction of artist Ángela Camargo, returning the splendour to one of the most valuable pictoric sets in the country.

Manuel Choy expressed that the greatest challenge in the restoration of Panama's National Theater was to interplay a historic icon from 1908 without compromising its architectural essence and its heritage authenticity. He recalled that the building, located at the Casco Antiguo of Panama - World Heritage Site - and declared a National Historical Heritage, required maximum technical rigour and respect for its cultural value.

"as restaurators, our duty was to comply with national and international conservation regulations, with an understanding of the responsibility to preserve a work designed by architect Genaro Ruggieri and enriched with the artistic legacy of master Roberto Lewis," she said.

Choy explained that among the elements necessary to maintain the historic identity of the theater were the original facades, exterior floors, lobby, Foyer, pallet and pallet as well as the complete restoration of artistic works, sculptures, cover, stage and historic light, including the chandelier.

He emphasized that structural and state-of-the-art electromechanical technologies - air conditioning, light, sound, tramoyas, pits for musicians and security systems - were incorporated without altering the original structure of the building and following international standards for historic theatres.

The architect also recognized the joint work of AYESA Panama in the management of the project; APORCOSA as a contractor; the restaurador Ángela Camargo in the intervention of the pictorial and sculptural work; and the metal specialist Jacinto Almond, with a multidisciplinary team that assumed the project with commitment and dedication.

The Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, "I congratulate each of the nominees and winners and expressed that" his works embellish our country, strengthen the social fabric by creating secure and inspiring meeting points for the present and future generations, because every project offers us, through this art, a cosmovue of how we have grown as a nation and to where we explore the development of our country. "

Today, the National Theater remains one of Panama's leading artistic scenarios, hosting high-level performances of music, theater, dance and events that strengthen the cultural life of the country and project its historic legacy.