Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico, Maritime museum in Santander, Spain
The Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico is a large museum building on Santander Bay devoted to the maritime world. Its galleries contain collections of sea creatures, ships and navigation equipment, and the history of fishing in the Cantabrian region.
The museum grew from collections gathered since the 18th century and enriched by local schools and educational institutions. These materials form the foundation of the exhibitions shown today.
The museum shows how fishing shaped and continues to shape life in this region. The displays reveal traditional catching methods and how people here have connected with the sea for many generations.
The best visit is in good weather when you can also see the outdoor areas and docks around the bay. Plan at least two hours for the indoor galleries and wear comfortable shoes as there is much to explore.
As you enter, you are greeted by a giant squid and whale skeletons that show what creatures inhabit the bay. These striking displays immediately give you a sense of the power and life of the sea.
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