Center for Contemporary Art is opening in Tashkent (photo)

**Center for Contemporary Art opens in Tashkent (photo)**

The Center for Contemporary Art, built in Tashkent on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is starting its operations as the first permanent cultural space of this scale in Central Asia. This complex is not just another ordinary exhibition hall, but a major cultural and educational venue that has brought a historical industrial facility from the early 20th century into modern life.

The building where the center is located was built in 1912 based on a project by the famous architect Wilhelm Heinzelmann. Initially serving as a city tram depot, this facility was later converted into a diesel power station. Having witnessed many important stages of the capital's development for more than a century, this facility had remained abandoned for many years.

Today, an absolutely new principle is prioritized in Uzbekistan's approach to historical heritage — "preservation and revitalization, not destruction." Instead of demolishing old industrial facilities and building identical modern buildings in their place, a path of giving new meaning while preserving history was chosen. As a result, the century-old structure has turned into a completely new generation cultural space, while retaining its architectural appearance and industrial character.

The architectural concept for restoring the building and turning it into an international-level cultural center was developed by the prestigious French bureau Studio KO. The authors of the project managed to find a very delicate and complex balance:

**Historical part:** ancient brick walls, unique architectural forms, and a spatial environment that preserves the spirit of the last century.

**Modern part:** exhibition halls equipped with advanced technologies, educational spaces, a research center, a library, and comfortable zones open to the public.

In this place, which once produced mechanical energy for the city, the spiritual energy of creativity, new ideas, science, and human communication will now emerge.

All conditions have been created in the new center for visitors to spend a meaningful and useful day. Here, one can not only view works of art, but also: get acquainted with the best examples of world and Uzbek contemporary art; conduct scientific research and use the resources of a special library; participate in lectures, seminars, and film screenings; meet with like-minded people and communicate freely.

Due to its unique atmosphere, the Center for Contemporary Art is expected to become one of Tashkent's most attractive cultural destinations in a short time. The building itself serves as the center's most fundamental and valuable "exhibit." Such large-scale projects radically change not only the appearance of the capital, but also the attitude of city residents towards the cultural environment and historical heritage, serving as a source of inspiration for future generations.