The cultural center of Oscar Niemeyer suspends its activities

Madrid - The cultural center of the world-renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in the city of Avilés in northwestern Spain is halting activities six months after its opening. This was reported by the DPA agency, citing local press. The reasons include, besides the economic crisis, political disputes between the city mayor and the conservative government of the autonomous region of Asturias, where the institution is located.
    The Asturian government wants to have greater influence over the foundation that operates the center, and it has accused its representatives of financial discrepancies. The foundation, which is supported by the mayor of Avilés, rejected the allegations. According to it, the local government is trying to limit the independence of the cultural center.
    Niemeyer's center was intended to help revitalize the local economy of the declining industrial city on the Atlantic coast. The ceremonial opening of the center, which the 103-year-old architect declared to be his "most important building in Europe," was attended in March by American director Woody Allen, among others.
    The future of the facility is now unclear. The lease agreement for the buildings owned by the local government will expire in December. Spanish Minister of Culture Ángeles González offered on Saturday to act as a mediator for further talks. The complex of four buildings remains open to the public.
    Niemeyer has been dedicated to architecture for over 70 years and is the author of more than 600 modernist projects around the world. His greatest work is the Brazilian capital Brasília, where he designed all key buildings - the parliament, the presidential palace and residence, ministry buildings, the Supreme Court, as well as a cathedral, museums, monuments, theaters, and residential houses. His projects are characterized by curves, which he himself said are "a tribute to Brazilian women."