SANTANDER.- The Centro Botín in Santander is celebrating a banner year, with visitor numbers surging to a record 176,783 in 2024, a 6.5% jump from the previous year. This news, shared at the FITUR tourism fair by Botín Foundation General Director Íñigo Sáenz de Miera, highlights the center’s growing appeal both locally and internationally.

More than just a place to view art, the Centro Botín has become a vibrant hub of activity. Over 54,000 visitors participated in the center’s diverse program of 367 artistic, cultural, and educational events, from workshops and performances to lectures and film screenings. These events proved incredibly popular, boasting a 90% attendance rate and consistently high satisfaction scores, averaging 4.75 out of 5.

“We’re thrilled to see so many people engaging with the Centro Botín,” said Sáenz de Miera. “We’ve worked hard to create a welcoming space with programs for everyone, and it’s clear that our efforts are paying off.”

One of the year’s highlights was the sold-out 2nd International Meeting: Arts, Emotions, and Creativity, a fascinating exploration of the link between artistic expression and emotional well-being. The event drew leading experts from around the world, including Yale University, the University of Connecticut, and the University of Tokyo, sparking lively discussions about how art can positively impact society.

The Centro Botín has also made a concerted effort to reach out to different segments of the community. A new program designed specifically for seniors over 65 proved a resounding success, with every single activity fully booked. Youth engagement also doubled, thanks to popular initiatives like “ON Creación,” where young people tackled important social issues like sustainability and mental health through creative projects, and the lively ON Festival. Even the youngest members of the community weren't forgotten, with baby-focused activities consistently filling to capacity.

The Centro Botín’s connection to the local community is stronger than ever. Over 158,000 residents of Santander and Cantabria now hold free passes, with nearly 4,000 new passes issued in 2024 alone – an average of ten new pass holders every single day. This commitment to accessibility is further bolstered by the support of 28 corporate and institutional sponsors, including new partners like City Sightseeing, Real Racing Club, Roche, and Centro Universitario Cesine.

One particularly exciting new partnership sees the Centro Botín teaming up with Real Racing Club, a local football team, to explore how art and emotion can enhance creativity and teamwork within the club’s youth academy and coaching staff. Another innovative collaboration with Centro Universitario Cesine will integrate artistic practice into the university’s curriculum, giving students valuable hands-on experience and developing key skills for their future careers.

The Centro Botín’s appeal extends far beyond Santander. In 2024, visitors hailed from 101 different countries, with international attendance rising by an impressive 16.5%. While visitors from France, the UK, and Italy made up the largest international contingents, the center also welcomed guests from as far afield as Australia, Mexico, Vietnam, and even Zimbabwe. Visitors from other parts of Spain also increased, making up a significant portion of the total attendance.

The center’s digital presence is also thriving, with growing followings on social media and a consistently high number of website visits.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Centro Botín has a packed program of exhibitions and events planned. A major retrospective of Spanish avant-garde artist Maruja Mallo, co-produced with the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, will be a highlight. The center will also host the first Spanish exhibition of Cooking Sections, an artistic duo exploring the impact of human activity on ecosystems through the lens of food.