The building was originally designed by the Italian architect Armando Boni and inaugurated in 1928.
The facade features a distinct neoclassical style with Art Nouveau interior decorative elements.
It originally served as the headquarters for the Banco Nacional do Comércio, one of the most important financial institutions in Rio Grande do Sul at the time.
The grand hall retains original architectural features such as high vaulted ceilings and marble flooring.
The facility was converted into a cultural center as part of a national initiative to revitalize historic bank buildings into public art spaces.
The interior vault doors from the building's former life as a bank remain preserved as historical displays.
Farol Santander Porto Alegre is a multi-disciplinary cultural center housed in the former headquarters of the Banco Nacional do Comércio, a heritage building constructed in 1928. The venue features eclectic architecture characterized by its ornate exterior and classic banking hall interior. It hosts rotating contemporary art exhibitions, immersive installations, and historical archives. The space includes a renovated ballroom, a dedicated area for local gastronomy, and an observation point offering views of the city's historic center. As of June 2026, the building functions as a hub for both visual arts and local historical preservation. The structure serves as a bridge between the city’s financial past and modern creative expression.
The main staircase leading up from the grand hall provides a clear shot of the building's neoclassical interior design.
Check the official website's exhibition calendar before visiting to see if specific floors are closed for installation.
Utilize the elevator to reach the higher floors to observe the architectural details of the upper galleries.
Visit the gift shop for high-quality items curated by local Rio Grande do Sul artisans.
Do not overlook the smaller galleries on the upper floors, as many visitors focus only on the grand main hall.
Closed on Mondays.
