O edifício Altino Arantes ou antigo Banespa, já foi um dos maiores edifícios de concreto armado do mundo, inspirado no edifício Empire State da cidade de Nova York, inaugurado em 1947, foi sede do banco do Estado de São Paulo, no final dos anos 1990 foi adquirido pelo grupo espanhol Santander, sendo rebatizado como Farol Santander. O edifício abriga um museu bancário, exposições itinerárias, possui um restaurante no terraço e um bar no subsolo. Sua vista e iluminação noturna dá todo um charme.
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Farol Santander Porto Alegre

4.7
·6k reviews·, Brazil

A stately early-20th-century building housing art, a money museum, and a unique cafe in a bank vault.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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O edifício Altino Arantes ou antigo Banespa, já foi um dos maiores edifícios de concreto armado do mundo, inspirado no edifício Empire State da cidade de Nova York, inaugurado em 1947, foi sede do banco do Estado de São Paulo, no final dos anos 1990 foi adquirido pelo grupo espanhol Santander, sendo rebatizado como Farol Santander. O edifício abriga um museu bancário, exposições itinerárias, possui um restaurante no terraço e um bar no subsolo. Sua vista e iluminação noturna dá todo um charme.

Farol Santander Porto Alegre

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stately early-20th-century building housing art, a money museum, and a unique cafe in a bank vault.

4.7
(6k reviews)

"Amazing architecture, inside and out. Worth the visit and getting a coffee outside."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Exhibit Schedule

See what art installations are on display before you go to maximize your visit. :camerawithflash:

Coffee in the Vault

Don't miss the unique experience of having coffee inside a historic bank vault. :coffee:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Baroque-Rococo Architecture

Baroque-Rococo Architecture

Admire the stately, early-20th-century building with its ornate Baroque-rococo flair, both inside and out.

Money Museum

Money Museum

Lower Floor

Explore a small museum showcasing Brazil's coins and bills, offering a glimpse into monetary history.

Cafe in a Bank Vault

Cafe in a Bank Vault

Lower Floor

Enjoy a coffee or snack in a unique setting – a cafe cleverly housed within an old bank vault.

Rotating Art Exhibits

Rotating Art Exhibits

Upper Floors

Discover temporary art installations, including interactive exhibits and light experiences.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While the architecture is stunning, reviews suggest exhibits can be brief. Plan for a focused visit, perhaps an hour or two, to appreciate the building and its current displays without feeling rushed. Check for special exhibits beforehand.

What to Expect Inside

Farol Santander Porto Alegre offers a mix of art, history, and unique spaces. Don't miss the money museum and the cafe in the bank vault. The upper floors often feature rotating art installations, including light experiences.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
During Special Exhibits
Why
Unique art experiences
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

O que o Porto-Alegrense faz pela cidade de final de semana?

Check Exhibit Schedule

See what art installations are on display before you go to maximize your visit. :camerawithflash:

Coffee in the Vault

Don't miss the unique experience of having coffee inside a historic bank vault. :coffee:

reddit.com

Trip to Porto Alegre, Brazil. Where should i go?

reddit.com

o que fazer em porto alegre/canoas?

Architecture Appreciation

Take time to admire the building's stunning Baroque-rococo details inside and out. :building_construction:

Brief but Interesting

Reviews suggest exhibits can be short; plan for a focused visit. :stopwatch:

reddit.com

Two solo days/nights in Porto Alegre, Brazil. What should I do/see?

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Exhibit Schedule

See what art installations are on display before you go to maximize your visit. :camerawithflash:

Coffee in the Vault

Don't miss the unique experience of having coffee inside a historic bank vault. :coffee:

Architecture Appreciation

Take time to admire the building's stunning Baroque-rococo details inside and out. :building_construction:

Brief but Interesting

Reviews suggest exhibits can be short; plan for a focused visit. :stopwatch:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Farol Santander Porto Alegre is praised for its stunning architecture and unique features like the cafe in a bank vault. While some find the exhibits brief, others appreciate the engaging art installations and the historical money museum. It's a visually appealing destination offering a blend of culture and history.

"A nice building but not so much to see. The upper floor has some interesting metal sculptures but only for a few minutes.

The lower floor has a small museum on Brazil's money, both coins and bills. It also has a cafe located in a bank vault."

Garrett Fagnou

"Amazing building but not much to see. The lower floor has a small museum on Brazil's money, both coins and bills. It also has a cafe located in a bank vault."

Alisson Fontes

"I had a great time at the Farol Santander. I got a migraine so I didn't get to see it all but the exhibits were great. The light experience upstairs was cool and we had a yummy coffee after seeing the exhibits."

Ella Rehder

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Unique bank vault cafe
Money museum

What People Dislike

Exhibits can be brief

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Farol Santander is located in the city center. You can reach it by public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging, so public transport is often recommended. Reddit

Yes, the cultural center is well-served by public transport. Many bus routes pass through the city center, making it easy to access from various parts of Porto Alegre. Reddit

From Salgado Filho International Airport (POA), you can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service directly to Farol Santander. Alternatively, you can use public buses, though this may involve transfers and take longer. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Farol Santander typically requires a ticket, especially for special exhibits. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for current ticket prices and booking information. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially on weekends and holidays, and may differ for specific exhibits. Always check the official Farol Santander Porto Alegre website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

Information about free admission days is not consistently available. It's best to consult the official Farol Santander Porto Alegre channels for any promotions or special free entry periods. Reddit

Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended to secure your spot and potentially avoid queues, especially during popular exhibit periods. Check their official website for online booking options. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Farol Santander features a money museum, a unique cafe in a bank vault, and rotating art exhibitions on its upper floors, including light experiences and interactive installations. The building's architecture itself is a major draw. Reddit

Most visitors find that a visit to Farol Santander can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and how long you spend at the cafe. Reddit

Yes, some exhibits, like the Tarsila do Amaral exhibit mentioned, are specifically targeted towards children and feature interactive elements. The unique cafe in the vault can also be a fun experience for kids. Reddit

Information on guided tours is not always readily available. It's best to inquire directly with Farol Santander or check their website for any scheduled tours or educational programs. Reddit

Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibition areas to protect the artwork. Always look for signage or ask staff if unsure. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a unique cafe located inside a former bank vault on the lower floor, offering a memorable spot for a coffee or snack. Reddit

The cafe typically offers coffee, pastries, and light snacks. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of the bank vault setting. Reddit

Being in the city center, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars within walking distance of Farol Santander, offering a wide variety of culinary options. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Art Enthusiasts

For art lovers, Farol Santander Porto Alegre offers a chance to engage with both historical and contemporary Brazilian art. Keep an eye on their schedule for special exhibitions, which often feature prominent artists and unique themes. The building's own architecture also serves as a work of art, providing a stunning setting for any exhibition. Reddit

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the rotating displays on the upper floors. These can range from interactive installations designed to engage visitors directly to captivating light art experiences. The blend of artistic expression within such a historically significant building makes for a rich cultural outing.

History Buffs & Curious Minds

History enthusiasts will appreciate the money museum, which offers a fascinating look at Brazil's monetary past through its collection of coins and bills. This is a unique educational component that sets Farol Santander apart. Reddit

Beyond the museum, the building itself is a piece of history. Its stately, early-20th-century architecture with Baroque-rococo elements tells a story of Porto Alegre's past. Exploring the space allows visitors to connect with the city's heritage in a tangible way.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Gem

Farol Santander Porto Alegre is housed in a building that is a testament to early 20th-century grandeur. Its Baroque-rococo flair is evident in its stately facade and intricate interior details. Visitors often praise the building's aesthetic appeal, noting its impressive architecture both inside and out. It's a structure that commands attention and provides a beautiful backdrop for the cultural activities within. Reddit

This architectural beauty isn't just for show; it contributes significantly to the visitor experience. The sense of history and elegance that permeates the building enhances the appreciation of the art and exhibits it holds. It’s a place where the past and present converge, offering a visually rich environment for exploration. Reddit

Unique Exhibits and Experiences

The cultural center is known for its diverse and often rotating exhibitions. While some reviews mention that exhibits can be brief, they are frequently described as interesting and engaging. A highlight for many is the small museum dedicated to Brazil's money, featuring both coins and bills, offering a unique educational perspective. Reddit

Beyond the historical displays, Farol Santander also hosts contemporary art. Visitors have enjoyed interactive installations and light experiences on the upper floors, making it a dynamic space. The cafe, famously situated within an old bank vault, provides a quirky and memorable spot to relax and reflect on the visit. Reddit

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