Recognizing the Failure of Utopia Could Save Cuba's National Art Schools
World Monuments Fund - Empire State Building
Born out of the political utopian aspirations of the Cuban Revolution, the dramatic brick and terra-cotta National Art Schools on the site of the Havana Country Club represent a fleeting moment in the history of Latin American modernism. Founded in 1961, the domed and vaulted forms were designed with the intention to create the "most beautiful art academy in the world." But given changing policies of the new Cuban government, only two of the five schools that were designed were completed.Following years of neglect, a decision was made in 1999 to restore and complete the schools, and WMF included them on the World Monuments Watch in both 2000 and 2002. Rodríguez will discuss the complexities of recent restoration and rebuilding efforts, and will reflect on the schools' future in light of Cuba's evolving circumstances.Cuban architect and architectural historian Eduardo Luis Rodríguez has spearheaded the study and promotion of twentieth century architecture in Cuba. He has served as curator of several major architecture exhibitions and authored numerous publications. Currently President of the Cuban Chapter of Docomomo International, he is a member of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Twentieth-century Heritage, and he served as a member of the Advisory Board for the current Museum of Modern Art exhibition Latin America in Construction: Architecture 1955-1980.
World Monuments Fund - Empire State Building
Born out of the political utopian aspirations of the Cuban Revolution, the dramatic brick and terra-cotta National Art Schools on the site of the Havana Country Club represent a fleeting moment in the history of Latin American modernism. Founded in 1961, the domed and vaulted forms were designed with the intention to create the "most beautiful art academy in the world." But given changing policies of the new Cuban government, only two of the five schools that were designed were completed.Following years of neglect, a decision was made in 1999 to restore and complete the schools, and WMF included them on the World Monuments Watch in both 2000 and 2002. Rodríguez will discuss the complexities of recent restoration and rebuilding efforts, and will reflect on the schools' future in light of Cuba's evolving circumstances.Cuban architect and architectural historian Eduardo Luis Rodríguez has spearheaded the study and promotion of twentieth century architecture in Cuba. He has served as curator of several major architecture exhibitions and authored numerous publications. Currently President of the Cuban Chapter of Docomomo International, he is a member of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Twentieth-century Heritage, and he served as a member of the Advisory Board for the current Museum of Modern Art exhibition Latin America in Construction: Architecture 1955-1980.
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