Faro Santander: A New Cultural Beacon in Spain
On September 8, 2026, the Banco Santander Foundation will unveil its latest cultural endeavor, the Faro Santander, a vibrant new art center located in the picturesque city of Santander, northern Spain. This ambitious project transforms the historic headquarters of Banco Santander into a dynamic hub for art, culture, and technology, promising to enrich the cultural landscape of the region and beyond.
A Rich Inaugural Program
Faro Santander will kick off with an impressive inaugural program featuring three major exhibitions: The Symptomatic Surreal: Leonora Carrington, Masterpieces from the Banco Santander Collection, and Modern Mexico in the Gelman Santander Collection. Each exhibition is designed to foster dialogue between historical heritage and contemporary artistic exploration, while also engaging with the local community.
Leonora Carrington: A Surreal Journey
The exhibition dedicated to Leonora Carrington will spotlight her remarkable contributions to Surrealism, particularly during her time in Santander during World War II. This exhibition will be the first to focus solely on her works from this period and will run from September 8, 2026, to January 10, 2027. A highlight of this exhibition is the previously unseen painting Villa Pilar, which Carrington created for her doctor after her stay at the sanatorium. This piece, along with others, will offer a unique glimpse into her artistic evolution and the themes that permeated her work.
A Historical Tapestry: The Banco Santander Collection
One of the centerpieces of Faro Santander will be the Banco Santander Collection, an artistic heritage that spans over 160 years. The inaugural exhibition, Masterpieces from the Banco Santander Collection, curated by María Dolores Jiménez-Blanco, will showcase works from renowned artists such as Titian, El Greco, Rubens, Velázquez, and Goya. This exhibition will run from September 8, 2026, to February 2027 and aims to narrate the story of the institution through its diverse collection.
The exhibition is organized into four thematic sections: Sacred Stories, Places and Landscapes, Things: Still Life, and Portraits, Types, Figures. Each section will explore different facets of art history, from spirituality and mystery to the evolution of still life and portraiture.
Celebrating Modern Mexican Art
Alongside the Banco Santander Collection, Faro Santander will also present Modern Mexico in the Gelman Santander Collection from September 8, 2026, to January 10, 2027. Curated by Marisol Argüelles, this exhibition will feature iconic works by Mexican modernists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Rufino Tamayo. The Gelman Collection, assembled over fifty years, is one of the most significant collections of 20th-century Mexican art, and this exhibition will highlight its rich history and cultural significance.
Engaging the Community
Faro Santander is not just about exhibitions; it aims to be a cultural hub for the local community. The center will offer a variety of activities tailored to different audiences, including weekly talks, guided tours, performances, and family-friendly events. Special programs will be organized around significant cultural celebrations, such as Día de Muertos, to foster a deeper connection between the exhibitions and the community.
A Space for Innovation
The center will also feature a dedicated area for projects in collaboration with local cultural organizations, emphasizing its commitment to becoming an integral part of Cantabria’s artistic life. Additionally, a family area will encourage exploration and creativity, while installations will explore the intersection of art and technology.
A Vision for the Future
Faro Santander is envisioned as a meeting place for the people of Cantabria and a cultural destination for visitors from around the globe. Daniel Vega Pérez de Arlucea, the director of Faro Santander, emphasizes the center’s goal to create new opportunities for discovery, participation, and exchange. With its diverse exhibition program and community engagement initiatives, Faro Santander aims to position Santander and Cantabria as leading cultural hubs in northern Spain, enhancing their presence on the international art scene.
As the opening day approaches, excitement builds around what promises to be a transformative addition to Spain’s cultural landscape, inviting art lovers and curious minds alike to explore, engage, and experience the rich tapestry of art history and contemporary creativity.
