Uzbekistan Opens Restored 1912 Building as Art Center
A century-old industrial building in Tashkent gets a stunning second life as a contemporary art center, blending historic architecture with modern creativity. The restored 1912 complex opens with its first exhibition featuring a work from New York's Guggenheim Museum. ---
A 1912 industrial building in Uzbekistan just got an incredible makeover that proves old spaces can spark new inspiration.
The Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent officially opened in a beautifully restored complex originally designed by architect Wilhelm Heinzelman. The building served first as a tram depot, then as a diesel power station, and now welcomes visitors as a hub for modern art and culture.
The restoration team made a striking choice to keep the building's industrial character intact. Exposed beams, original architecture, and historic details remind visitors of the structure's working-class roots while housing cutting-edge contemporary art.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev toured the space before its public opening, visiting galleries, education areas, and public spaces. He received briefings on upcoming exhibitions, research projects, and artist residency programs planned for the center.
The facility includes more than just gallery walls. A specialist research library focuses on art, visual cultures, and critical theory, with special attention to perspectives from the Global Majority. The center also houses a growing archive documenting local artists' studios and work.
The Ripple Effect
The inaugural exhibition, called Hikmah, makes history as the first presentation in Uzbekistan of an installation from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum collection in New York. This partnership connects Tashkent's emerging art scene directly to one of the world's most respected modern art institutions.
The center creates new opportunities for local artists through residency programs while giving Uzbekistan's public free access to world-class contemporary art. Education spaces within the building will host workshops and programs, making art accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
By preserving industrial heritage while creating space for contemporary creativity, Tashkent shows how cities can honor their past while building their cultural future.
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Based on reporting by Euronews
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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