The Top Art Galleries And Museums To Visit In Santiago De Compostela

The Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela is home to both small galleries and large art museums, dedicated to contemporary, as well as traditional art. Here are some of the top art galleries and museums to visit in the Galician city.

1. Galician Centre of Contemporary Art (CGAC)

Art Gallery, Museum

This contemporary art gallery is the most important in Santiago de Compostela and its collection includes both local Galician and international artists, particularly Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American. The museum houses around 1,200 works from the second half of the 20th century, as well as holding temporary exhibitions.

Rúa de Ramón del Valle-Inclán 5, Santiago de Compostela

Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea | ©Kippelboy / Wikimedia Commons

2. Eugenio Granell Museum-Foundation

Museum

The museum is based on the works of the Galician surrealist artist Eugenio Granell, as well as the surrealist works and books by English artist Philip West. Inaugurated in 1995, it aims to promote the works of Granell, as well as the study of surrealism in general. The works are rotated throughout the year, and there are also rooms dedicated to temporary exhibitions. In the past there have been exhibitions on artists such as Man Ray and Max Ernst.

3. Sacred Art Museum

Monastery, Museum

Housed in the 9th century Monastery of San Paio de Antealtares, the Sacred Art Museum features everything from paintings and sculpture to gold and silver works, and documents from Benedictine and Jacobean times. Highlights include the altar that was built above St. James’ tomb, the silver reliquary where St Palayo’s arm is kept and a Christ statue from the 13th century.

Rúa de San Paio de Antealtares 23, Santiago de Compostela

San Pelayo de Antealtares Monastery | ©José Luis Filpo Cabana / Wikimedia Commons

5. Terra de Sombra

Art Gallery, Museum

Translated as ‘The Land of Shadow’, in reference to the shadows artists create within their works, this contemporary art gallery comprises four rooms. Each room is dedicated to a different artistic discipline – painting, sculpture, photography and sound. The exhibits change monthly and showcase a wide range of artists and works.
Rúa de Fernando III o Santo 22, Santiago de Compostela

Exhibition space | © 3rdman_eu/pixabay

6. Galería de Arte Luisa Pita

Located in the Old Town, this unique gallery opened in 2012 as a continuation of the community project – the Bus Station Space Gallery. Directed by Luisa Pita, it is an ambitious cultural project which is both an exhibition and meeting space for local established and emerging artists.

Calle Cardenal Payá 9, Santiago de Compostela

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7. Trinta

Art Gallery

A contemporary art gallery to be found in the Old Town, Trinta has been open since 1985. Showcasing changing exhibitions, it focuses on conceptual art and has featured artists such as Eva Lootz, José Freixanes, Thomas Jocher, Ignacio Basallo, Manolo Paz and Florentino Díaz.

8. Espacio 48

Art Gallery, Museum

Founded in 2000 in the Old Town of Santiago, Espacio 48 showcases works by both national and international artists and helps to foster emerging talents. Curator Charo Santiago helps to promote the artists’ works not just in a commercial way, but also helping them to grow their skills.

9. Metro Arte Contemporáneo

Situated on the atmospheric Praza da Quintana, the Metro Gallery is a contemporary art space, which opened in 2007. It specialises in exhibiting works from local Galician artists and has both changing exhibitions, as well as a permanent collection.

Praza da Quintana 3, Santiago de Compostela

Galería José Cao Lata

Located high on a hill on the outskirts of the city, along the Camino de Santiago, sits this unusual outdoor gallery, located in the garden of the artist José Cao Lata himself. A sculptor, Lata creates huge installations in his garden, carved from stone and representing various social issues in Spain. Jam-packed with unique pieces, Lata loves visitors and will even give explanations about each one of his works.

Rúa Monte do Gozo 16, Santiago de Compostela

Galeria Jose Cao Lata, Santiago de Compostela

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