The origins of Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT), a bold arts and culture center just five minutes from the border, were revealed in 1982 by President José López Portillo. The creation of CECUT was led by Carmen Romano, the wife of President Lópe Portillo, who led Mexico from 1976 to 1982. The project was entrusted to architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, known for integrating pre-Hispanic motifs with modernist principles, who has also designed many of Mexico's most emblematic civil landmarks. CECut was designed by Manuel Rosen Morrison, who added color directly into the concrete mix to create its warm tone and sculptural presence. The building's most visually striking feature is La Bola, which was built to house one of the country's most advanced movie theaters at the time. The Tijuana Aquarium, the only facility of its kind in Baja California, opened in 2012, offers a close-up look at marine life from the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. The Sala de Espectosos, a modern performance venue, hosts events throughout the year, and the Tijuana aquarium, which offers a unique experience of marine life.