Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas

The campus of the Universidad Central de Venezuela was designed by Carlos Raúl Villanueva and built mostly between 1940 and 1960 as a deliberate synthesis of architecture, sculpture and painting: covered walkways link the buildings, and works by Alexander Calder, Fernand Léger, Jean Arp, Victor Vasarely and others were commissioned into the fabric rather than added afterwards. It was inscribed by UNESCO in 2000 as an outstanding example of modern architecture.

What you actually see

• The Aula Magna - the concert hall with Calder's floating acoustic Clouds overhead.
• The Plaza Cubierta - the covered square with murals and sculpture built into it.
• The commissioned art - work by Leger, Arp, Vasarely and others integrated into the buildings.
• The covered walkways - the linked circulation Villanueva designed for the climate.

When to go

December to April is driest. Term time is when the campus is alive but also busiest. Guided access to the Aula Magna needs arranging in advance.

Honest expectations

It is a working university and access to interiors including the Aula Magna is restricted and needs arranging. Maintenance has been a serious problem and some works and buildings are deteriorating. Wandering unaccompanied is not always permitted.

Nearby

Caracas Old Town is northwest, and El Avila rises beyond it.