Brazilian architect Niemeyer given Spanish award, notably for large cultural center

Brazilian architect Niemeyer given Spanish award

RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer has received one of Spain’s top awards for the arts.

Niemeyer was given a medal for the Order of Arts and Letters award, created in 2008 to recognize people or institutions that help Spanish culture flourish.

American singer Joan Baez received the award earlier this year.

The 102-year-old Niemeyer was tabbed for the award last year, but due to his health, he could not travel to Spain to accept it.

Instead, Spanish Culture Minister Angeles Gonzalez-Sinde traveled to Rio de Janeiro to deliver it to him Friday.

The award cited in particular the architect’s design of the Niemeyer Cultural Center in the Spanish city of Aviles, his largest project in Europe.