The Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre — officially the Centro Cultural Internacional Oscar Niemeyer, universally known as Puerto Niemeyer — stands on the former industrial waterfront of the Avilés estuary and is unmistakable: a group of low white domes, a soaring auditorium tower, and a pedestrian bridge connecting the cultural complex to the city. The design is pure late Niemeyer — curved white concrete, bold geometric forms, the influence of Brasília palpable throughout.
The centre hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, an auditorium for concerts and theatre, and a permanent collection of works donated by international artists. The building is the attraction as much as any specific programme; the views from the upper levels over the estuary and the industrial landscape beyond are striking. Entry to the public areas is free; exhibitions and performances are ticketed. The walk along the waterfront from the old town to the centre, about fifteen minutes, takes you past the estuary quays where the transformation of post-industrial Avilés is most visible.