Santander Art Galleries

(Santander, Cantabria, Spain)

There are more art galleries in Santander than you are likely to find the time to visit, with most being of a commercial nature and regularly rotating their stock. However, if you are in Santander and wish to appreciate some fine art of a high quality, then take time out to pay a visit to Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Art).

Established more than 100 years ago, the Museo de Bellas Artes has now become both a leading Spanish art gallery and important Heritage Site. As well as being home to some exquisite Italian and Flemish masterpieces, the Santander Museum of Fine Art also boasts large collections of local Spanish artefacts, coins and medals.

Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Art)

Address: 6 Calle de Rubio, Santander, Spain, ES
Tel: +34 0942 23 9485
The Museum of Fine Art is better known in Santander at the Museo de Bellas Artes, and is without question the premier art gallery, not only in the city, but in the whole of the Cantabria area of Spain. The building itself is rather beautiful and features ornate Neo-classical architecture, which includes some excellent historical paintings, dating from the 16th century onwards and collected from all over Europe.
Open hours: July to September, Monday to Friday - 10:30 to 13:30, 17:30 to 20:30, Saturday - 10:30 to 13:30; October to June, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 13:00, 17:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

Galeria Acuario

Address: 8 Calle de San José, Santander, Spain, ES
Tel: +34 0942 22 7279
Spanish paintings and figurative art works are the order of the day within the Galeria Acuario, where the creations of local Cantabrian artists are also regularly showcased. Displays are refreshed each month at this gallery, which has gained quite a reputation since being founded at the turn of the millennium.
Open hours: Monday to Wednesday - 17:00 to 21:00, Thursday to Saturday - 10:00 to 13:00, 17:00 to 21:00
Admission: free

Galeria Cervantes

Address: 14 Calle de Cádiz, Santander, Spain, ES
Tel: +34 0942 31 1672
Many tourists regularly pay a visit to the Galeria Cervantes, since it is conveniently located to a number of Santander's most popular tourist attractions, such as its cathedral. The theme of the exhibits regularly change and are often of a contemporary nature.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 11:00 to 13:00, 17:00 to 21:00, Saturday - 11:00 to 13:00
Admission: free

Galeria El Cantil

Address: 7 Calle de Andrés del Rio, Santander, Spain, ES
Tel: +34 0942 36 4811
Close to the Small Port (Puerto Chico), the Galeria El Cantil is an especially spirited art gallery, being known for its large modern paintings and familiar artists. Spread over two adjoining exhibition spaces, the Galeria El Cantil has been known to attract names such as Alvaro Delgado and Julio de Pablo, amongst other noteworthy artists.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 11:00 to 13:00, 16:00 to 21:00
Admission: free

Galeria Fernando Silió

Address: 8 Calle de Eduardo Benot, Santander, Spain, ES
Tel: +34 0942 21 6257
Established in the late 1980s, the Galeria Fernando Silió is close to the Paseo de la Pereda and the bayfront. Large paintings enjoy a spacious, well-lit setting, whilst offering a distinctive contemporary Spanish flavour. There are usually also a number of eye-catching modern sculptures to be found here, tending to reflect the latest trends.
Open hours: daily - 11:00 to 13:30, 18:00 to 21:00
Admission: free

Galeria Juan Silió

Address: Sol 45 Bajo, Santander, Spain, ES
Tel: +34 0942 21 6257
One of the city's most notable of all its art galleries, the Galeria Juan Silió actively promotes the works of up-and-coming Spanish artists, as well as showcasing the latest offerings from international artists. The art works mainly come in the form of paintings and photographs, and being sited in Santander city centre, the Galeria Juan Silió is easy to reach for most tourists.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Galeria Siboney

Address: 7 Calle de Castelar, Santander, Spain, ES
Tel: +34 0942 31 1003
The Galeria Siboney is an especially interesting gallery and can be found within the Siboney Building, where it is situated on the ground floor. Each month there is a different exhibit, attracting well-known Spanish artists, such as Emilio González Sainz. Prices vary greatly, although the pieces displayed here are always of exceptional quality.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 19:00 to 22:00
Admission: free

Galeria Trazos Tres

Address: 3 Calle de Magallanes, Santander, Spain, ES
Tel: +34 0942 37 1789
Close to the city's acclaimed Museo de Bellas Artes, the Galeria Trazos Tres lies within the very heart of the city centre and is filled with contemporary art works, created by artists from Cantabria and beyond. Also of interest are the stylish photographs, sculptures and colourful ceramics, which are for sale and regularly changed.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 21:00
Admission: free