From Panama City’s first City Hall to a police station and courthouse, the Visual Arts Center, and now the Center for the Arts, 19 East 4th Street is one of Downtown Panama City’s most iconic landmarks. This year, the building is set to celebrate its monumental 100th anniversary with a series of special events, exhibits, and activities that will bring the rich history of the building—and the city—to life. The centennial celebration will begin on Friday, January 17, offering a unique opportunity for residents, visitors, and history enthusiasts to explore the building’s rich past, its cultural significance, and its ongoing role in the community.
“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the Panama City Center for the Arts serve as a beacon of creativity, connection, and culture for our community for many years,” said Jayson Kretzer, Executive Director of Bay Arts Alliance. “This iconic building holds a special place in our history, and as it celebrates its centennial, it is both an honor and a joy to be partnered with the City of Panama City to ensure its legacy thrives for generations to come.”
Centennial Celebration highlights include:
• Book signing: Local author Beverly Nield will be at the Center for the Arts on January 25 to sign her book, Haunted Panama City, which delves into the city’s ghastly history among buildings like the Center for the Arts. This exclusive book will be available for purchase during the event on January 25.
• Interactive displays: Immersive exhibits will highlight the building’s architectural evolution, its role in the city’s history, and key moments from the past century. Visitors will be able to engage with multimedia displays, view archival photos, and take part in interactive experiences.
• Exclusive merchandise: Commemorative 100th-anniversary merchandise, including limited-edition items like stickers, pins, and apparel, will be available for purchase at the Center while supplies last. These items are designed to help guests remember this historic celebration for years to come.
• Historical information about the building as well as the rise of the downtown arts community in tandem with Bay Arts Alliance.
“It’s a big milestone not just for the arts, but for the city,” said Kelsi McLendon, Operations Manager of the Center for the Arts. “We wanted to highlight the historical roots and growth of Downtown Panama City in tandem with our arts community. Thinking about our local foundations and where we were creatively back in 1925 has been very interesting to us, so we’re hoping it is for others and we get to share that excitement with them.”
The centennial celebration will be on display through February 5. The Center for the Arts is open Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
