Visitor Insights
Visiting Panama City Panama Temple
The Panama City Panama Temple grounds are open to the public for quiet contemplation and enjoyment of the beautiful landscaping. While the temple interior is reserved for members, visitors can experience a sense of peace and reverence on the surrounding property.
Highlights
- Enjoy the tranquil, beautifully landscaped grounds with views of the Panama Canal.
- Learn about the temple's significance as a sacred space for Latter-day Saints.
Things to Know
- The temple interior is reserved for worthy members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Contact the temple directly for specific operating schedules or special accommodations.
Location
Calle Rufina Alfaro #3172, Hacia La Villa de Cardenas, Corozal, Ancon, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
Hours: Grounds generally open during daylight hours; temple operating hours vary.
Getting There: Located in Cárdenas, a suburb of Panama City, accessible by local transportation.
Get DirectionsTips for Your Visit
Explore the Grounds
Take time to walk through the lush gardens and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Respect the Sacred Space
Maintain a reverent demeanor while on the temple grounds.
Contact for Inquiries
For specific questions about visiting or services, call the temple directly at +507 201-6233.
About
The Panama City Panama Temple stands as a beacon of faith in Cárdenas, a suburb of Panama City, overlooking the historic Panama Canal and the North Pacific Ocean. Announced in 2002 and dedicated in 2008 by President Thomas S. Monson, it is the 127th operating temple worldwide for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This sacred edifice serves Latter-day Saints throughout Panama, providing a dedicated space for worship, covenants, and eternal family ordinances. Its construction fulfilled a prophecy made by President Gordon B. Hinckley, who hinted at a future temple for faithful members in the region.
The temple's elegant design, featuring China stone and art-glass windows, harmonizes with its lush tropical surroundings. Inside, original murals by local artist Linda Christiansen and intricate details like the Peristeria elata flower inlay reflect Panama's rich culture and natural beauty.
Gallery
Symbolic Elements
The temple's exterior features intricate carvings, each rich with spiritual meaning:
Angel Moroni Statue
Perched atop the spire, this gold-leafed statue symbolizes the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and its proclamation to the world.
Baptistry
Located in the lowest part of the temple, the baptismal font rests on twelve oxen, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the ordinance of baptism for the dead.
Instruction Rooms
These rooms teach patrons about God's plan of salvation, the creation, and humanity's journey, emphasizing eternal truths and covenants.
Sealing Rooms
Here, eternal marriages and family sealings take place, emphasizing the sacred and enduring nature of family relationships beyond mortal life.
Celestial Room
Representing a return to God's presence, this serene space of quiet contemplation symbolizes the peace and glory of eternal life with God.
White Clothing
Patrons wear white clothing inside the temple, symbolizing purity, equality, and unity before God, a common theme in many religious practices.
China Stone Exterior
The temple's exterior is crafted from durable China stone, providing a distinctive and elegant appearance that blends with its tropical setting.
Peristeria Elata Inlay
A unique wood inlay design of Panama's national flower, the Peristeria elata, is subtly featured on a chair in the bride's room.
Interesting Facts
It was the first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built in Panama and the third in Central America (Tier A).
Prior to its construction, Latter-day Saints in Panama traveled to Costa Rica to attend the temple in San José (Tier A).
The temple's announcement followed President Gordon B. Hinckley's challenge to members to faithfully pay their tithing (Tier A).
Local Relief Society members helped assemble the chandeliers found within the temple (Tier A).
The temple is situated on a lush hillside, offering views of the Panama Canal and is visible to passing travelers (Tier A).
Nearly 33,000 people toured the interior during its public open house, many describing a profound spiritual feeling (Tier A).
The open house received significant media attention, including a front-page story in Panama's largest newspaper, La Prensa (Tier C).
The dedication ceremony included a traditional cornerstone ceremony where children helped President Thomas S. Monson seal the cornerstone (Tier C).
The interior features original murals by local Panamanian artist Linda Christiansen (Tier A).
A subtle detail in the bride's room includes a wood inlay design of the Peristeria elata flower, Panama's national flower (Tier A).
Common Questions
What is the Panama City Panama Temple?
It is a sacred edifice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated for worship and eternal ordinances.
Can non-members enter the temple?
The temple interior is reserved for worthy members, but the beautiful grounds are open to the public.
When was the temple dedicated?
The temple was dedicated on August 10, 2008, by President Thomas S. Monson.
What is the Angel Moroni statue?
It symbolizes the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, proclaiming it to the world.
Are there facilities for visitors?
Temple housing and a distribution center are on-site, and the grounds are open for public enjoyment.
Featured Stories
A Prophecy Fulfilled: The Temple Announcement
2002
Years before the temple's announcement, President Gordon B. Hinckley visited Panama, challenging members to pay their tithing faithfully and hinting at a future temple. This prophetic visit instilled hope and determination among the local Saints, who eagerly awaited the day a House of the Lord would grace their land. The official announcement in 2002 was met with profound joy, signifying the fulfillment of a spiritual promise and the growth of the Church in Panama.
Source: The Church News
Blue Skies for Groundbreaking
2005
The groundbreaking ceremony on October 20, 2005, was a testament to faith, as blue skies miraculously prevailed despite a hurricane threatening Panama's shores the day before. Elder Spencer V. Jones presided over the event, marking the official start of construction for this sacred edifice. This memorable day symbolized divine favor and the community's anticipation for the temple's completion.
Source: ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org
Community Embrace: The Public Open House
2008
Before its dedication, the Panama City Panama Temple opened its doors to the public, welcoming nearly 33,000 visitors during a two-week open house. This event garnered significant media attention, including front-page coverage in Panama's largest newspaper, La Prensa. Many visitors described feeling a profound spiritual peace within the temple, fostering goodwill and understanding within the broader community.
Source: Photogent.com
Timeline
President Hinckley's Visit
President Gordon B. Hinckley visited Panama City, hinting at a future temple if members were faithful.
EventTemple Announced
The First Presidency officially announced plans to construct the Panama City Panama Temple.
MilestoneGroundbreaking Ceremony
Elder Spencer V. Jones presided over the groundbreaking, commencing construction under clear skies despite a recent hurricane threat.
component.timeline.groundbreakingAngel Moroni Installed
The statue of the Angel Moroni was placed atop the temple's central spire, a significant event for local members.
MilestonePublic Open House Begins
A public open house commenced, allowing nearly 33,000 visitors to tour the temple's interior.
EventCultural Celebration
A cultural celebration featuring a thousand Panamanian youth was held, attended by President Thomas S. Monson.
EventTemple Dedicated
President Thomas S. Monson dedicated the Panama City Panama Temple in four sessions, broadcast throughout Panama.
DedicationHistory by Decade
2000s — A New Era of Faith
The 2000s marked a pivotal decade for Latter-day Saints in Panama, beginning with President Gordon B. Hinckley's inspiring visit in 2000, which foreshadowed the construction of a temple. This promise was realized on August 23, 2002, with the official announcement of the Panama City Panama Temple. The groundbreaking ceremony in 2005 initiated construction, culminating in the temple's dedication in 2008, a landmark event for the region.
Architecture & Facilities
The Panama City Panama Temple features an elegant, modern architectural style that incorporates elements of traditional temple design, harmonizing with its tropical hillside setting. The design emphasizes clean lines and a dignified presence, reflecting both the sacred purpose of the building and the local cultural aesthetic. Its single central spire, topped with the Angel Moroni statue, is a prominent feature visible from afar.
Building Materials
Exterior
The temple's exterior is clad in durable China stone, providing a light, elegant finish that withstands the tropical climate.
Interior Woodwork
Rich Panama mahogany is used for interior doors and other decorative elements, adding warmth and local character to the sacred spaces.
Flooring and Countertops
Spanish stone is utilized throughout the temple for floors and countertops, offering both beauty and durability.
Art Glass
Custom art-glass windows adorn the temple, allowing natural light to filter through and creating a serene ambiance.
Interior Features
Baptistry
This sacred space features a baptismal font resting on twelve oxen, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Instruction Rooms
Designed for progressive teaching, these rooms feature original murals by local artist Linda Christiansen, depicting creation and gospel principles.
Sealing Rooms
These rooms are beautifully appointed for eternal marriage and family sealing ordinances, emphasizing sacred covenants.
Celestial Room
A serene and contemplative space, the Celestial Room represents a return to God's presence and the peace of eternal life.
Bride's Room
This room includes a unique wood inlay design of the Peristeria elata flower, Panama's national flower, adding a local touch.
Temple Grounds
The temple grounds are meticulously landscaped with numerous palm trees, vibrant tropical foliage, and a serene water feature, creating an idyllic and reflective environment.
Additional Facilities
Adjacent to the temple, the Cárdenas meetinghouse underwent extensive remodeling, and a facility at the rear of the property provides housing for the temple presidency, missionaries, and patrons, along with a distribution center.
Religious Significance
As a 'House of the Lord,' the Panama City Panama Temple is a sacred space dedicated to the worship of God and the performance of holy ordinances for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It stands as a testament to the enduring Christian theological grouping within Abrahamic traditions, emphasizing a direct covenant relationship with God.
The core spiritual purpose of the temple is to provide a place where individuals can draw closer to God, make sacred covenants, and participate in ordinances that facilitate eternal progression and family unity, reflecting a profound belief in divine purpose.
Sacred Ordinances
Baptism for the Dead
This ordinance allows living members to be baptized by proxy for their deceased ancestors, offering them the opportunity to accept the gospel beyond the veil.
Endowment
The endowment is a series of instructions and covenants that teach about God's plan of salvation, the creation, and the journey back to His presence, empowering individuals with divine knowledge and strength.
Sealing
The sealing ordinance binds families together for eternity, ensuring that relationships formed on earth can continue beyond mortal life, a central tenet of eternal family doctrine.
The Plan of Salvation
Temple teachings illuminate God's comprehensive plan for His children, from premortal existence through mortal life and into the eternities, providing context for human purpose and destiny.
Eternal Families
A foundational doctrine taught in the temple is the eternal nature of the family unit, emphasizing that sacred covenants can unite families forever, transcending the boundaries of death.
Covenants with God
Through sacred covenants made in the temple, individuals promise to live righteously, and in return, God promises blessings, including eternal life and exaltation, fostering a deeper relationship with the Divine.
Sources & Research
Every fact on Temples.org is backed by verified Sources & Research. Each piece of information is rated by source tier and confidence level.
View All Sources (7)
| Field | Source | Tier | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| About & Historical Background | The Church News (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |
| Dedication & Purpose | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-30 |
| Status & Facts | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Cultural Celebration & Dedication | Photogent (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Architectural Design & Features | Naylor Wentworth Lund Architects (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Symbolic Elements & Meaning | LDS Living (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |
| General Temple Information | Worldlist Vision (opens in a new tab) | D | 2024-07-30 |