Since its inception, the University Cultural Center has been a carefully planned project, designed in keeping with world-class standards. Along with the Government of Zapopan, who has participated actively in the project since June, 2003, renowned and important national and international figures have collaborated in different areas to realize the creation of the University Cultural Center. The Center unites excitement and entertainment with nature and society in an urban area, where the arts, education, recreation and information are the focus. It is a catalyst of ideas, a meeting space, a platform for exchange that promotes a new attitude, a new sense of community, identity, belonging and pride.

The Santander Performing Arts Centre, which measures 52,000 square meters, boasts a design and infrastructure that creates an intimate sense of space, where the public and performers form a common bond.

This space was occupied by the convent of the Augustinian nuns of Santa Monica, hence it is also known as the "Alcázar de Santa Mónica". It was founded in 1719, and was left empty in 1859 due to the War of Reform.

It is then when the tapatío printer D. Dionisio Rodriguez, acquired this enclosure in 1868 and lent the facilities so that they were occupied by the Seminary of Guadalajara. With the rectory of Agustín de la Rosa, the seminarians moved to the Ex convent of Santa Monica to continue their studies. However, due to structural failures the ship began to suffer landslides, so in 1890 the authorities of the Seminary decided to start the demolition of the place to build a new one. It was the engineer Antonio Arroniz who was responsible for carrying out the construction project.