The job of renovating the Banco Santander headquarters, a massive, grandiose, eclectic building along the Cantabrian capital’s Paseo de Pereda, not far from the Botín Foundation, was given to the British architect David Chipperfield, a renowned expert in museums and emblematic historical buildings, and his proposal was recently unveiled. The project treats the old facade with deference but modifies the interior layout substantially. The program is redistributed to make cultural uses compatible with administrative ones, a spectacular foyer-bridge is inserted into the huge arch that gives the original construction its public presence, and there is a no less spectacular roof, which will be passable, serving as a platform for enjoying views of the bay. All this to create the perfect atmosphere for holding cultural events and showcasing an extraordinary painting collection, with works by Rubens, Picasso, Miró, Chillida, and more.