BRUSSELS, September 20. /Dunyo IA/. The Belgian specialized travel portal “Travel Tomorrow” has published an article titled “Studio KO Transforms Historic Tashkent Tram Depot into Contemporary Arts Centre,” reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The publication reports that a former tram depot and diesel power station in central Tashkent have been transformed into Uzbekistan’s first permanent center dedicated to contemporary art. The reconstruction was carried out by the Paris-based architectural firm Studio KO.

The Center for Contemporary Art Tashkent (CCA Tashkent) opened to visitors on September 6. It is located in an industrial complex whose history dates back to 1912. The building was designed by architect Wilhelm Heinzelmann for the city’s first tram line. The complex later became part of Tashkent’s power grid and remained in use for more than a century before being transferred to the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan (ACDF) in 2019.

The publication notes that the former administrative building has been converted into a bookstore and specialized research library, while the courtyard has been adapted for gatherings, workshops and open-air film screenings.

Local materials and traditional craftsmanship techniques have been widely incorporated into the new architectural elements. Studio KO developed a concrete mix based on locally sourced materials, while the production of specially designed tiles was entrusted to the Tashkent-based Rakhimov family ceramics workshop.

“According to the architects, their task was to preserve respect for the site’s industrial heritage while incorporating traditional Uzbek materials and decorative motifs that allow and filter light,” the article says.

As “Travel Tomorrow” notes, CCA Tashkent opened with its first exhibition, “Hikmah,” which means “wisdom.” The exhibition is curated by the center’s chief curator, Sara Raza.

The exhibition features works by Uzbek and international artists.

“CCA Tashkent is expected to operate year-round, hosting exhibitions, artist residencies, research programs, film screenings, performances, international cultural projects and collaborations with foreign institutions. The first exhibition, Hikmah, will run until January 31, 2027,” “Travel Tomorrow” concludes.