Centro Botín

Opened to much acclaim in 2017, Centro Botín is a world-class art centre developed by Fundación Botín. By embracing art’s ability to ignite creativity and curiosity, Centro Botín aims to generate social, emotional and environmental development for the general public as a vital presence in the city’s social and cultural fabric. Housed in a striking, futuristic building designed by Renzo Piano and Luis Vidal + Architects, the museum integrates Santander’s city centre and the historic Pereda Gardens with the Bay, offering public spaces for the community. The building is made up of two blocks that overhang like a pier out onto the sea, connected by a structure of squares and walkways known as “the pachinko,” named after a Japanese pinball machine. The art-focused west block displays temporary exhibitions by historical and contemporary artists, as well as selections from the Fundación Botín Collection, noted for its emphasis on contemporary art across media formats, with artists including Sandra Gamarra, Mona Hatoum, Roni Horn, Shilpa Gupta, Asier Mendizabal, Juan Muñoz, Gabriel Orozco and Tacita Dean. Centro Botín’s highly regarded Art Program seeks to develop training through scholarships and workshops by internationally renowned artists, provide new insights into great 20th century artists by conducting art historical research into their drawing styles and produce site-specific exhibitions. The east block hosts cultural and educational activities, making use of a 300-person auditorium, classrooms, work spaces and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views.

^{Exhibition view of “Roni Horn: I Am Paralyzed With Hope,” 2023, with the artwork “Untitled (‘The tiniest piece of mirror is always the whole mirror’),” 2022}