Renzo Piano's First Spanish Project: Centro Botín Opens in Santander

Renzo Piano has completed his first project in Spain: the Centro de Arte Botín in Santander, opening June 23, 2017. The 8,739 sqm building, funded by the Fundación Botín, consists of two blocks connected by an elevated walkway ending in a platform over the sea. The west wing houses 2,500 sqm of exhibition spaces, while the east wing contains a 300-seat auditorium, classrooms, and a panoramic terrace. The building is clad in white ceramic discs with a mother-of-pearl effect. It extends the Jardines de Pereda park and includes an outdoor amphitheater for 2,000 people. The opening exhibition is Carsten Höller: Y, curated by Vicente Todolí, the largest retrospective of the artist in Spain, featuring fourteen works. From June to September, Lightness and Boldness. Goya's Drawings presents 80 drawings from the Museo del Prado. The foundation's permanent collection will also be displayed. Construction began in 2010 with local partner Luis Vidal + Architects.