On the edge of the Bay of Biscay, a neoclassical landmark sheds its institutional skin to become a beacon of light. David Chipperfield transforms a century of history into a transparent home for the arts.
About
The Edificio Pereda has worn many masks: first a grand hotel, then a regatta club, and for nearly a century, the fortress-like headquarters of Banco Santander. Now, under the surgical precision of David Chipperfield, the architecture breathes again. It is a dialogue between the weight of heritage stone and the weightlessness of modern glass, designed to draw the Cantabrian sea breeze and the city's golden light deep into its core.
You're watching the way the coastal light reflects off the restored masonry, illuminating a path where high-tech installations meet historical echoes. There is a sense of deliberate openness here, a feeling that the building is no longer keeping secrets, but offering a new, transparent vista of the waterfront.
What you'll see here
- The Pereda Transformation: Observe Chipperfield’s Pritzker-winning restraint in how he preserves the 19th-century facade while carving out radical, airy interiors.
- The Technology Hub: A dedicated zone where digital arts and immersive media intersect, bridging the gap between traditional culture and future tech.
- Bay Vistas: The upper floors offer a literal "Faro" (lighthouse) experience, providing a fresh perspective on the Santander coastline and the movement of the tides.
Worth the trip
- Chipperfield’s Vision: Witness a masterclass in adaptive reuse by one of the world's most significant contemporary architects.
- A Cultural Anchor: The venue repositions the northern coast as a major art destination, linking the city’s maritime past with its creative future.
- Urban Renewal: It marks the shift of a historic financial landmark into a democratic space open to the public for the first time in generations.
Faro Santander © Fundación Banco Santander
