12 must-visit museums in Santander is an ambitious project we’ve created with all our heart to show you a small selection of the 54 museums and exhibition centers that our beautiful city has to offer.
We never tire of saying it: Santander, and our entire province of Cantabria, is a perfect destination for your next getaway. This land is full of mountains, traditions, history, and, of course, beaches. But today, Glutendtrotters, we want to highlight a facet that is often overlooked: cultural tourism in Santander. When we think about what to do in this city, many of us imagine sun, summer, and sea…
This itinerary invites you to visit a different museum each month, allowing residents and visitors to discover Santander’s rich cultural offerings throughout the year. With no excuses not to enjoy art, this monthly guide will take you through the very best the city has to offer.
January – Maritime Museum of the Cantabrian Sea
Location: C/. San Martín de Bajamar s/n, Santander
The Maritime Museum of the Cantabrian Sea (Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico) is the perfect place to start the year exploring the region’s rich maritime history. Located on the edge of the Bay of Santander, one of the most beautiful in the world, this museum allows visitors to dive into the waters of the Cantabrian Sea and discover marine life and the close relationship between humans and the sea throughout history.
Main Collections
Spread over three floors, the museum houses an impressive collection that includes whale skeletons, traditional boats, and aquariums showcasing the biodiversity of the Cantabrian Sea. The exhibitions are organized into four sections: Marine Biology and Aquariums, Fishing Ethnography, Maritime History, and Traditional Boats.
Featured Activities
The aquariums, especially popular with children, offer an immersive experience that fascinates people of all ages. Additionally, we are very pleased with the programs organized on their premises during school holidays. Through these activities, our little ones don’t just have fun, they also learn endless curiosities in the most enjoyable way possible.
Why visit in January
Ideal for cold days, the museum offers an educational and entertaining experience in a cozy indoor setting.
February – Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria (MUPAC)
Location: C/. Hernán Cortes 4, Santander
The MUPAC is a cultural gem that tells the history of Cantabria from Prehistory to the Middle Ages. Located in the Mercado del Este, in the heart of the old town, this Santander museum offers an immersive experience thanks to its modern design and the use of audiovisual technology.
Main Collections
The museum houses stone and bone tools, archaeological artifacts, and key pieces from sites like the Altamira Caves. The exhibition is organized into thematic areas that allow visitors to explore the evolution of the societies that inhabited Cantabria.
Featured Activities
The audiovisual systems and interactive exhibitions make the visit both educational and entertaining. Additionally, on some weekends, workshops for children are organized, introducing different historical eras in a fun way, with activities like Roman cooking or fire-making.
Why visit in February
Perfect for the cold months, the MUPAC offers a warm refuge where you can learn about the region’s oldest history.
March – Centro Botín
Location: Jardines de Pereda, Santander
Designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, the Centro Botín is a benchmark for contemporary art in Santander. Inaugurated in 2017, the building stands as an architectural icon with stunning sea views. We recommend taking the stairs or the elevator up to observe the Paseo de Pereda and the entire waterfront visible from this Santander museum.
Main Collections
The Centro Botín hosts contemporary art exhibitions that change periodically, with works including paintings, sculptures, and videos. The natural light that floods the space and the large windows offering sea views create an ideal environment for appreciating art.
Featured Activities
In addition to its exhibitions, the Centro Botín organizes workshops, concerts, and various cultural activities that complement its artistic offering. During the summer season, many of these activities take place outdoors, making them even more appealing.
Why visit in March
Spring begins to peek through, and the Centro Botín, with its privileged setting, offers a cultural experience that combines art and nature.
April – Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Santander and Cantabria (MAS)
Location: C/. Rubio 6, Santander
The MAS is one of the most emblematic museums in Santander, with a rich history dating back to 1908. This museum has evolved into a space dedicated to modern and contemporary art, offering a diverse collection that spans from the 16th century to the present day.
Main Collections
The MAS houses works by Cantabrian, national, and international artists, organized chronologically. Highlighted pieces include paintings, sculptures, and photographs that reflect the evolution of art throughout the centuries.
Featured Activities
In addition to its permanent collection, the MAS organizes temporary exhibitions, conferences, and workshops that explore themes of contemporary art and modernity.
Why visit in April
The light and freshness of spring make this the ideal time to enjoy the MAS’s wide and diverse collection. Its location on a central pedestrian street, surrounded by the best atmosphere in the city, makes it a must-visit.
May – Magdalena Palace
Location: Magdalena Peninsula, Santander
The Magdalena Palace, one of Santander’s most recognized symbols, is a must-see. This majestic palace, built between 1908 and 1912, was the summer residence of the Spanish Royal Family.
Main Collections
Although the palace is not a museum in the traditional sense, it offers guided tours that allow you to explore its halls and learn about its history. The collections include period furniture, works of art, and historical objects that belonged to the Royal Family.
Featured Activities
In addition to tours of the Palace, the Magdalena Peninsula offers beautiful walks with sea views, beach access, and other attractions such as the mini zoo featuring marine animals and the “Man and the Sea” Museum. On special dates, such as Halloween, thematic tours are organized that bring the history of the place closer to visitors, with a special focus on the little ones.
Why visit in May
May is the ideal month to visit this iconic site, as the summer courses of the Menéndez Pelayo International University have not yet begun, which restrict visits to weekends during July and August. It is the perfect time to enjoy the tranquility of the Palace and its surroundings. You can stroll along the shores of the iconic “Bikinis” beach, play in the swing area, or even organize a picnic with the best views of the Mouro Island Lighthouse.
June – The Man and the Sea
Location: Magdalena Peninsula, Santander
The “Man and the Sea” Museum is an open-air exhibition dedicated to the oceanic adventures of the Santander navigator Vital Alsar Ramírez. Set in a spectacular environment, this museum is a tribute to bravery and the adventurous spirit.
Main Collections
The exhibition includes replicas of the vessels used by Alsar on his expeditions, such as the galleons “Ana de Ayala,” “Cantabria,” and “Quintus Amazonas,” as well as a wooden raft, a life-saving bubble, and a bronze mermaid statue.
Featured Activities
The museum offers a unique open-air experience, ideal for enjoying the good weather in June, combining culture, history, and nature.
Why visit in June
Before the arrival of summer, this open-air museum is perfect for enjoying the pleasant climate and the impressive views of the Bay of Santander.
July – Cabo Mayor Lighthouse Art Center
Location: Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, s/n, Santander
The Cabo Mayor Lighthouse Art Center, located in one of Santander’s most iconic lighthouses, is a space dedicated to contemporary art with a strong connection to the sea and navigation.
Main Collections
The main collection includes works by the Santander-born painter Eduardo Sanz, who captured the essence of the lighthouse and its symbolism in various art pieces. The center’s unique location adds a special dimension to the experience, with panoramic sea views.
Featured Activities
In addition to art exhibitions, the center organizes cultural events and offers guided tours exploring the history of the lighthouse and its connection to maritime culture.
Why visit in July
In mid-summer, this center offers a refreshing getaway, where art and nature combine in an extraordinary cliffside setting. Furthermore, it is the gateway to the stunning Costa Quebrada and its spectacular path.
August – Planetarium of Santander
Location: Paseo de Pereda, Santander
The Planetarium of Santander is a fascinating destination for astronomy lovers. Located at the Higher Technical School of Nautical Studies, the planetarium offers an educational and visual experience that simulates the night sky and celestial movements.
Main Collections
The planetarium has an advanced projector that recreates the movement of stars, planets, and constellations, offering an immersive experience that transports visitors to outer space.
Featured Activities
In addition to screenings, the planetarium organizes talks and educational workshops on astronomy, ideal for all ages.
Why visit in August
Take advantage of clear summer nights to learn about the cosmos and enjoy the wonderful views of the Bay of Santander.
September – City History Interpretation Center
Location: Tower of the Santander Cathedral
The City History Interpretation Center, located in the tower of the Santander Cathedral, offers a comprehensive view of the city’s historical evolution from its origins to the present day.
Main Collections
The center houses historical documents, jewelry, and art pieces that narrate key chapters in Santander’s history. One of the most prominent pieces is the Almohad basin, brought by sailors who participated in the Capture of Seville.
Featured Activities
The visit culminates with a climb to the tower, from where you can get panoramic views of the city center, providing a unique and memorable perspective.
Why visit in September
With the return to routine after the summer, September is an ideal time to reflect on the city’s history and enjoy the views from the cathedral. Personally, it is my favorite month to visit Santander: the crowds decrease significantly and the weather remains pleasant, with mild temperatures that invite you to explore the city at a leisurely pace.
October – Air Raid Shelter
Location: Plaza del Príncipe, Santander
The Air Raid Shelter of Santander is a striking testimony to the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. Built in 1937, this shelter has been restored and converted into a museum that allows visitors to vividly experience the fear and uncertainty felt by citizens of the time.
Main Collections
The museum features a 250-kilo bomb, a Condor Legion aviator suit, and other objects related to air raids on the city. The experience is intensified by a bombing simulation, which recreates the sound and lights of air attacks.
Featured Activities
Guided tours offer a detailed historical context, complemented by testimonies from people who lived through that time, making the experience even more moving.
Why visit in October
October, with its autumnal atmosphere, is an ideal introspective time to remember and reflect on this tragic chapter of Santander’s history.
November – Interpretation Center of the Medieval Wall
Location: Plaza Porticada, Santander
The Interpretation Center of the Medieval Wall of Santander is an underground space that offers a fascinating immersion into the city’s medieval history. Discovered during restoration work on the Plaza Porticada, this fragment of the wall has been preserved and converted into a museum.
Main Collections
The center presents remains of the medieval wall and the old roads and dwellings that once protected and defined the perimeter of the city. Exhibitions offer a detailed look at life in Santander during the Middle Ages.
Featured Activities
In addition to exploring the wall, visitors can enjoy audiovisual presentations that recreate the city’s medieval history, providing an educational and immersive experience.
Why visit in November
As the days grow shorter and the weather gets cooler, it’s a perfect time to explore Santander’s rich history from an underground perspective.
December – Railway Museum
Location: Train Station, Santander
The Railway Museum of Santander, managed by the Cantabrian Association of Railway Friends, is a charming place to close the year. Located in an old RENFE workshop, this museum offers a fascinating collection of locomotives, wagons, and objects related to the region’s railway history.
Main Collections
The museum houses a steam locomotive, a Swiss unit, and a large H0-scale model. It also features historical posters, locomotive lanterns, and other artifacts that provide insight into the development of rail transport in Cantabria.
Featured Activities
The museum organizes guided tours and educational activities, making it an ideal destination for families and railway enthusiasts.
Why visit in December
December is a month full of nostalgia and tradition, and what better way to celebrate than by exploring the history of the railway, a fundamental mode of transport in the evolution of Santander. Additionally, during this month, the city offers numerous activities for the little ones, such as the popular Nativity Scene Route.
Santander, a city rich in history and culture, houses an impressive range of museums, exhibition halls, and cultural centers spread throughout the city. With a total of 54 spaces dedicated to art, science, and history, the city offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse and enriching cultural journey. From works by great masters like Goya and Miró to avant-garde contemporary exhibitions, Santander is an essential destination for culture lovers.
With this monthly guide, Santander reveals itself as a vibrant and culturally rich city, offering a unique experience for every month of the year. Whether you are drawn to history, contemporary art, or science, there is always something new to discover in the museums of this beautiful city. Get ready for a year full of culture and adventure!
Where to eat gluten-free in Santander
Of course, we cannot fail to mention some of our best recommendations for eating gluten-free in Santander. We are proud to see how our beloved land is increasingly committed to those of us with dietary restrictions, expanding the range of restaurants that offer gluten-free options or adapting their menus. As we have mentioned on other occasions, not all of these establishments belong to the Celiac Association of Cantabria, so we cannot 100% guarantee the absence of cross-contamination.
Visit Santander, enjoy everything our beautiful city has to offer, and tell us about your experience with us. We would love for you to share your adventures with the Glutendtrotters community through your comments and photos.
Until the next trip! And remember… The best one is always the next one.
FIND THE MUSEUMS OF SANTANDER ON THE MAP
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