Cuban Arts Schools Declared ‘National Monuments’ in Cuba

HAVANA TIMES — The Superior Institute of Art (ISA) and the National Art School (ENA) were declared national monuments by the National Heritage Council on Monday in Havana, reported the Prensa Latina news agency.

Highlighted during the ceremonies were the high architectural values ??of this educational complex, the only one of its kind in the nation. These were conceived of as a “unity in diversity” by their designers, and are a collective symbol of the modern art movement on the island.

The 1960s facilities — designed by renowned architects Ricardo Porro, Roberto Gottardi and Vittorio Garatti — subsequently promoted a great deal of discussion about the social role of architecture, its practical possibilities and its ideological value.

ISA, where 1,400 young people are currently studying, is seeing the completion of restoration work. Plans for it include the opening of a sixth faculty for training professionals in conservation and restoration of art and museology works.