Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo de Santander y Cantabria, Contemporary art museum in central Santander, Spain
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Santander displays works across multiple floors, with permanent collections and rotating temporary exhibitions and installations. The galleries present paintings, sculptures, and photographs alongside one another.
The institution started in 1907 as a municipal library and museum, undergoing several transformations throughout the 20th century. It took on its current name and focus in 2011.
The museum places modern artworks next to older pieces in ways that invite comparison and reflection. This arrangement helps visitors see how different periods of art relate to and speak with one another.
The museum opens Tuesday through Saturday and offers free entry to its collections. Plan for several hours to properly explore the multiple floors and rotating exhibitions.
Among the collection is a portrait of King Ferdinand VII by Goya, hung alongside contemporary works to create an intentional dialogue across centuries. This unexpected pairing shows how the museum deliberately links distant artistic periods.
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