The Arvo Pärt Center was founded in 2010 with the aim of preserving and researching the creative heritage of Arvo Pärt, considered one of the most important living composers. In 2014, an international competition was organized for its new building, in which the project by Nieto Sobejano was chosen as the winner among a shortlist of twenty other architects, including Coop Himmelb (L) Au (Austria), Claudio Silvestrin (Great Britain), Jensen & Skodvin (Norway), Office Keers / van Severen (Belgium), Rick Joy (USA) and Zaha Hadid (Great Britain).
Located in a forest of large pine trees next to the Baltic Sea, Nieto Sobejano's project suggests a dialogue between architecture, music and landscape. Originating in a geometric pattern of pentagonal coutyards, the building seeks a balance between the intimacy of the work of Arvo Pärt and the serene beauty of the magnificent natural environment. A large zinc roof unifies the whole integrating itself into the landscape, housing archive spaces, library, administration, exhibitions and a concert hall. The outer perimeter is treated as a filter of thin circular columns that merge with the surrounding pines. A slender helical tower rises above the trees to allow views of the sea from above.
The inauguration of the new centre is celebrated with a concert on October 13, 2018, with the presence of Arvo Pärt, the President and authorities of the Baltic country, the Ambassador of Spain, and numerous international personalities of culture.
