Faro Santander
Art, culture and technology centre of the Fundación Banco Santander in the Edificio Pereda, with the Banco Santander Collection and exhibitions.
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About the museum
The Edificio Pereda was the historic headquarters of Banco Santander and one of the most emblematic buildings on the Paseo de Pereda, facing the bay of Santander. It has been part of the urban landscape since the late 18th century and is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Cultural Asset of Interest). For decades it was used privately.
After an extensive refurbishment led by David Chipperfield Architects, it was transformed into Faro Santander, the art and culture centre of the Fundación Banco Santander, which opened to the public on 8 September 2026. The intervention preserves the building's different phases since 1795 and adds contemporary solutions. With more than 10,000 square metres spread over ten levels, it houses exhibition rooms, an auditorium, educational and technology spaces, a café and a restaurant with a terrace viewpoint. It has obtained BREEAM Outstanding certification.
The centre shows the Banco Santander Collection and presents temporary exhibitions. At the time of opening, these include a selection of masterpieces from the collection, “México moderno” from the Gelman Santander Collection and an exhibition on Leonora Carrington. Cubo, a two-storey digital installation with 360° immersive projection and an LED skin on the exterior, traces the history of the building and the city since 1857 in “Antes de Faro”.
Highlights
- Edificio Pereda, historic headquarters of Banco Santander, refurbished by David Chipperfield Architects
- Banco Santander Collection with works by great masters
- Cubo: immersive audiovisual installation “Antes de Faro”
- Llamita, a gallery devoted to play and artistic experimentation
- Los Jardines de Faro viewpoint terrace and Lumen restaurant
Permanent exhibition
- Cubo: Antes de Faro – Immersive audiovisual experience in Cubo, a two-storey digital installation tracing the history of the building and the city since 1857.
- Founded
- 2026
- Operated by
- Fundación Banco Santander
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €14 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7Residents of Cantabria, students aged 18 to 25, unemployed people, over-65s, people with disabilities and Banco Santander customers |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under 18s. |
| Seniors | €7Reduced rate for over-65s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €7Reduced rate for people with disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €7Reduced rate for students aged 18 to 25. |
| Groups | –Booking conditions, rates, capacities and hours for groups are set out in a downloadable regulation on the website. |
| +Faro membership (annual) | €30Preferential and unlimited access, subject to capacity, and one annual invitation. |
| Reduced +Faro membership (annual) | €15Same groups as the reduced admission rate. |
Free admission: Special dates throughout the year, including International Museum Day and Faro's anniversary
Free admission also for Banco Santander staff. Tickets are bought on the website or at the box office; each booking allows a maximum of four tickets.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The centre has lifts and adapted entrances for people with reduced mobility. Pets are not admitted, except guide dogs.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly
- Playground / play area
Llamita is a gallery devoted to play and artistic experimentation, open throughout the centre's opening hours for shared play with mediators. The centre has a school programme and a family programme, with family workshops.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus lines 3 (Ojaiz–Puertochico–Piquío), 4 (Barrio Pesquero–Interior Sardinero), 12 (Corbanera–Carrefour), 51 (Santander–Astillero) and 58 (Santander–Liencres–Mompía). From Seve Ballesteros airport, line S4 runs to the city centre.
By car
Nearby public car parks: Parking Alfonso XIII and Parking Machichaco.
Faro Santander is in the city centre, facing the bay and a few minutes' walk from the Plaza Porticada. The main entrance is under the arch of the Edificio Pereda, on the Paseo de Pereda.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Café, the Lumen restaurant (with a separate entrance from calle Ataulfo Argenta and its own opening hours) and the Los Jardines de Faro viewpoint terrace, accessed with centre admission. Shop and cloakroom in the lobby.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Depends on each exhibition and on the works displayed; follow the instructions of staff and the signage. |
| Good to know | Free audio guides on your phone via QR codes. General guided tours daily at 17:00 and, at weekends and on public holidays, also at 11:00. On-demand visits in Spanish, English or French, booked 48 hours in advance, with a maximum of 20 people per group. School visits combine the temporary exhibitions and Cubo with a workshop in Llamita and require booking. Pushchairs are admitted. |
