Centro Botín is a contemporary arts centre on Santander's waterfront, beside the Jardines de Pereda. Designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano and opened in June 2017, it rests on pillars above the sea and is covered in ceramic discs that reflect the bay. The galleries hold temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, and the rooftop viewpoint gives wide views across the water. Plan time for the building itself, the terrace and a coffee at the ground-floor café.
Architecture by Renzo Piano
Renzo Piano, the Italian architect who also designed the Centre Pompidou in Paris and London's Shard, drew the Centro Botín. Piano won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1998. The building is shaped like a two-part breakwater and rests on supporting pillars, so from the promenade it seems to float partly above the water. Its outer skin is covered in ceramic discs that pick up the colour of the sea and sky.
When the project was announced, many people in Santander doubted that a building of this kind would suit the waterfront. Since it opened in June 2017, the centre has helped put Santander on the map as an art destination. The square outside is busy with all kinds of visitors, from skateboarders to older residents.
Inside the building
The centre has about 2,500 square metres of gallery space on two floors. It is divided into two blocks. The west block is dedicated to art and has two large exhibition halls. The east block holds cultural and training activities, including an auditorium with seating for 300 people, training rooms, a work area and a shop.
On the ground floor, a café and restaurant run by the chef Jesús Sánchez serves coffee and croissants. The café has views over the harbour, and it is a convenient place to pause between galleries.
Exhibitions and workshops
The exhibitions are temporary and focus on contemporary art, from video and photography to painting and sculpture. The programme has included work by international artists such as Carlos Garaicoa, Mona Hatoum, Joan Jonas, Jannis Kounellis and Julie Mehretu.
The centre also runs creative workshops for different age groups and hosts concerts and live performances. On weekends and holidays it often organises cultural activities for families. Check the centre's website for the current programme, because events change through the year.
The rooftop viewpoint
Visitors can reach the upper terrace by elevator or by the stairs. The elevator rides are a draw in their own right, and children tend to enjoy them as much as adults. From the top, the view takes in the bay and the city's waterfront.
The viewpoint can be reached without a gallery ticket, so it is an option if you only want the views. The coast is windy, so bring a layer for the terrace.
The Botín Foundation
The centre is linked to the Botín Foundation. The Marcelino Botín Foundation was created in 1964 by Marcelino Botín. It was later presided over by Emilio Botín, president of Banco Santander until his death in 2014. The project was supported by the foundation and was driven by Emilio Botín.
The centre aims to be a reference point for art in Spain and to be part of the international circuit of leading art centres.
Around the centre
The Jardines de Pereda sit beside the building. They are named after José María de Pereda, a 19th-century writer from Cantabria, and have flowerbeds and leafy walks. The Paseo de Pereda promenade runs along the waterfront.
The Gothic cathedral and the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology are within a few minutes' walk. Frequent buses go to the Magdalena parklands and to El Sardinero, where the nearest beach is Playa de los Peligros. The parking is in a paid garage, so consider walking or taking the bus.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, the galleries have an admission fee. The rooftop viewpoint can be reached without a gallery ticket.
Is Centro Botín good for children?
Yes. The surroundings are child friendly, with playgrounds and a merry-go-round, and the centre runs workshops for different ages. Children get free entry to exhibitions designed for them.
How long do you need?
Plan one to two hours for the galleries, the terrace and a coffee.
Do I need to book tickets?
The centre recommends buying tickets in advance.
Is the centre wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, the restroom and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
