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Arts, History & Education
The City of Panama City proudly supports a thriving cultural landscape that honors the community’s past, celebrates its present, and invests in its future. This section highlights key initiatives, resources, and partnerships that enrich the City through visual and performing arts, historical preservation and educational collaborations.
From mural trails and museum exhibits to historic landmarks and cultural festivals, we are committed to preserving and promoting the stories that shape who we are. Our City-owned historical properties, including the Center for the Arts, McKenzie House, Martin Theatre, and the St. Andrews Publishing Museum, serve as anchors for creativity, heritage and community gathering.
We have hosted and/or cohosted a diverse range of cultural events such as Musically Up Close, Whiskey & War Stories, May Pole Field Day, Juneteenth, Discover Asia Festival, and Hispanic Heritage Festival that reflect the vibrant spirit of our residents.
Education remains at the core of our mission. We actively partner with Bay District Schools, Florida State University Panama City, Early Education and Care, and Florida Corps to create opportunities for youth engagement, academic enrichment and lifelong learning. Through the Panama City Symphony, Panama City Music Association and other partners, we foster cultural appreciation and musical excellence in our community.
For more information about the City's arts, history and education programs, please contact Kesia “Dr. K” Blenn, CPRE, at kblenn@panamacity.gov.
Please find the list of resources below related to our Arts, History and Education initiatives.
Panama City, Florida is home to a vibrant and growing public art scene, best experienced through its Mural Trail. This self-guided tour showcases a colorful collection of large-scale murals and hidden gems across the city, turning downtown buildings, alleyways, and unexpected corners into an open-air gallery.
Created in the spirit of revitalization and community pride, the Mural Trail reflects the city’s cultural roots, coastal beauty, and creative energy. Whether you're an art lover, a photographer, or just exploring the area, it offers a unique way to experience the city.
For a full list of murals, artist info, maps, and suggested routes, visit: Mural Trail — Destination Panama City
Want to add your own mural to the trail? Panama City welcomes new artistic voices! If you're interested in contributing a mural, fill out the mural application available here: Mural Application.
Step into the rich history of Panama City, Florida with a walk along the Glenwood Historical District Sign Trail. This self-guided tour features interpretive signs that highlight the stories, landmarks, and legacy of one of the City’s most culturally significant neighborhoods.
The trail offers a meaningful glimpse into the heritage of Glenwood, celebrating its role in the city’s African American history, community development, and resilience. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a local resident, or a visitor looking to connect with the roots of Panama City, the Sign Trail provides an educational and inspiring experience.
Want to learn more or get involved? Visit Glenwood — Destination Panama City for more details and to access the mobile trail app.
To apply for a Glenwood Historical Sign, please fill out an application, here: Glenwood Historical Marker Application Survey
Want a Historical Sign in another area of the City that isn't Glenwood? Please fill out the forms below and bring them to the Parks, Culture and Recreation Offices at City Hall, 501 Harrison Ave.
Panama City offers a diverse mix of museums that celebrate the area's unique history, culture, and heritage. From hands-on experiences with vintage printing presses at the Panama City Publishing Company Museum, to exploring the city’s rich past at the Bay County Historical Museum, and honoring Native American culture at the Native Spirit Museum and Gallery, each museum offers something special for curious minds of all ages.
Start your journey through Panama City's history and culture:
Visit destinationpanamacity.com/museums-in-panama-city to learn more about each museum and plan your visit.
The Governor Stone is a true maritime treasure—a two‑masted, gaff‑rigged schooner built in 1877 and originally to the Gulf Coast. As the last known survivor of its class, it once ferried cargo, supplied oyster boats, transported rum during Prohibition, and even served as a Navy training vessel during WWII.
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1991, the schooner belongs to the Friends of the Governor Stone (FOGS), an all‑volunteer nonprofit dedicated to preserving regional maritime heritage. The vessel is more than just a relic—it’s a floating classroom offering educational sails and hands‑on learning.
Tragically, Governor Stone capsized in Hurricane Michael (2018), suffering its fourth documented sinking. Since May 2022, a detailed rebuild has been underway at St. Andrews School and Stone Loft Boat Shop, made possible by community and FEMA support. The aim is to have her sailing again by late 2025.
Today, Panama City is proud to call her a community icon. The Governor Stone stands as a testament to coastal resilience, craftsmanship and a commitment to keeping maritime traditions alive.
Want to follow the rebuild, join sail programs, or support the effort? Visit the official page for updates, educational opportunities, and ways to get involved.
Located in the heart of downtown Panama City, the Center for the Arts is a vibrant space dedicated to engaging the community through the arts. Operated by Bay Arts Alliance, the area's local arts agency, the Center offers rotating exhibitions, art classes and workshops, live events, and family-friendly activities—all designed to inspire creativity and connection.
Whether you're an artist, student, or simply an art lover, the Center welcomes everyone to explore, learn, and participate.
To see what's on display and how to get involved, visit: www.pccenterforthearts.com
The Panama City Symphony, in partnership with the City of Panama City, brings live musical performances to the City Hall Rotunda once a month through their “Musically Up Close” series. These free concerts feature intimate chamber music by PCS musicians and special guests, offering the community a chance to enjoy classical and contemporary music in a relaxed downtown setting. Special events are also held throughout the year to further enrich the local cultural scene.
Beyond these performances, the Panama City Symphony is actively involved in musical activities throughout Bay County, supporting music education and community outreach to foster a vibrant arts environment for all ages.
For the full schedule and more information, visit: panamacitysymphony.org/musically-up-close
McKenzie House
(Note: The McKenzie House is a historic private residence and may not have a public address available.)
Center for the Arts
19 East 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401
St. Andrews Publishing Company Museum
1134 Beck Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401
Martin Theatre
409 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401
Historical Downtown Clock
Located at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401
McKenzie Park
813 E 3rd Street, Panama City, FL 32401
Bay Memorial Park
1033 N Bay Blvd, Panama City, FL 32401