Embark on a spectacular journey through the lush vegetation and vibrant culture of Panama, the incredibly biodiverse land bridge connecting North and South America. 

Tropical Forest Panama invites guests to take an exciting, immersive journey to discover the nature, culture and interconnectedness of the forest system. Gorgeous greenery and flowers, engaging new interpretation stations and new live animal features are inspired by our Phipps staff members' journey to Darién National Park and subsequent research. 

Panama is a relatively small nation — about the size of South Carolina — with an outsized impact on the world. About 40% of all U.S. freight containers move through its famous canal. But Panama’s global importance dates back to long before the canal was built — and it's home to more species of birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects than the U.S. and Canada combined. Join us as we explore this one-of-a-kind place where people, plants and animals comprise a thriving ecosystem that constitutes one of the wildest places on Earth.

Exhibit Features

• Visit a park ranger station to prepare new discoveries that lie ahead;
• Discover Darién National Park, Panama's largest protected natural area; 
• Explore research methods for trees in the Panamanian forest with activities like knot tying and tree core aging;
• Enter an immersive display of the complex layers of the tropical forest;
• Listen to the sounds of various monkey species; 
• View a live poison dart frog terrarium while learning about their symbioitc relationship with bromeliads;
• Compare your wingspan to local birds of prey, such as the harpy eagle;
• Get an up-close look at forest floor decomposers, including live whip scorpions, hissing cockroaches and mycelia
• And much more!

Throughout the 12,000 square-foot, 60-foot high Tropical Forest Conservatory, visitors will enjoy a wide variety of native plant species. Along the way, plant highlights will include: 

• Heliconia spp., known for their extravagant red, orange and yellow blooms grow across the country, Panama lies in the center of diversity for the genus heliconia;   
• Cannonball tree (Couroupita guianenis), a large tree with fragrant flowers that develop into cannonball size fruit which are a valuable food source to many wild animals;
• Dutchmans pipe (Aristolochia spp.), a woody vine referred to as a liana with large attractive flowers;
• Black and Red Mangroves, from Panama's large expanse of mangrove forests that protect the shoreline from erosion and provide the habitat necessary for countless fish species;
• Dove Orchid, (Peristeria elata), the national flower of Panama;
• and many more.

A number of interactive stations throughout the exhibit provide ever-greater immersion in Panamanian culture. One station displays the ecosystem of the rainforest, illustrating connectedness. Learn about each layer’s distinct characteristics and how they all work together. The bromeliad frog station demonstrates how animals, such as dart frogs as displayed, can use bromeliad tanks as a safe place for their young while the bromeliads benefit from nutrients, improving their health. In Panama, 100 thousand people identify as members of the Guna community who represent their cultural identity through mola, or ornate layers of fabric panels with precise shapes and details painstakingly cut and sewn by hand. Guests can gain an understanding of the process behind creating mola while admiring the intricate designs. Other exciting features include insight into the forest floor, birds, trees and primates found in Panama, and so much more.  

Researching, planning and curating Tropical Forest Panama was an intensive multi-year process, with Phipps’ staff traveling to the region to observe and explore the culture firsthand. 

Associate Director of Exhibits Jordyn Melino, Director of Horticulture Ben Dunigan and Intepretive Programs Manager Adam Haas on location in Panama.

Panama, a relatively small nation, is home to more species of birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects than the United States and Canada combined. Our understanding of the endless biodiversity in this thriving ecosystem is as important as it is intriguing. Don’t miss the captivating, enriching experience of Tropical Forest Panama — you’ll make exciting new discoveries and become an expert adventurer in a tropical paradise without ever leaving Pittsburgh.

Select photos © Phipps staff