1879 - Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola discovers the art in Altamira Cave.
1880 - Sautuola publishes "Brief notes on some Prehistoric Objects in the Province of Santander".
1902 - The scientific community recognises the age and importance of the paintings in Altamira Cave.
1910 - Santillana del Mar Town Council creates Altamira Cave Protection and Conservation Board.
1911 - The Town Council appoints the first cave guide.
1924 - Altamira Cave is designated National Monument.
1925 - The Board or Commission for the Management and Exploration of Altamira Cave is founded, to increase the protection of the cave, avoid its deterioration, and study its contents adequately.
1940 - Altamira Cave Trust is formed.
1955 - Altamira Cave is visited by about 50,000 people in one year, and the first warnings about the deterioration of the paintings are made.
1957 - A Technical Commission is formed, with the task of reinforcing the decorated ceiling with stone walls.
1973 - Altamira Cave is visited by more than 174,000 people.
1976 - A Research Commission is formed to analyse the state of conservation of the cave paintings.
1977 - The cave is closed to tourist visits.
1979 - Altamira National Museum and Research Centre is founded as the means of co-ordinating the studies and research of the Artistic Heritage Office.
1979 - The University of Santander commences its research on the conservation of the paintings in the cave.
1982 - Altamira Cave reopens to the public with a maximum of 8,500 visitors a year.
1992 - The Museum Trust agrees to the plan for the present museum design.
1993 - A new Research Programme begins.
1997 - The Consortium for Altamira is formed, and work begins on the new building.
2001 - The new Altamira National Museum and Research Centre opens.
