Avilés

Avilés brings together a historic urban centre and a varied network of cultural venues. The Centro Niemeyer, designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, occupies a prominent position between the estuary and the old town. It adds a modern architectural setting to a city whose cultural life also depends on museums, libraries and longstanding performance spaces.

The Teatro Palacio Valdés was begun in 1900 and inaugurated in 1920. Designed by Manuel del Busto, it follows the arrangement of an Italian-style theatre and combines Neo-Baroque and Modernist elements. Its programme connects Avilés with touring theatrical productions. The Casa Municipal de Cultura offers a further auditorium, exhibition rooms and library facilities. These complementary institutions give the city spaces for both large public performances and everyday cultural participation.