Usina del Arte captivates visitors with its early 20th century architecture. Its walls, which once housed industrial machinery, are now home to a space dedicated to art and culture, making it a symbol of urban transformation and historical heritage in Buenos Aires.
Below, find out more about this iconic place.
From power plant to cultural icon
The history of this “palace of light”, as conceived by its creator, Italian architect Giovanni Chiogna, dates back to 1912, when the Compañía Ítalo Argentina de Electricidad was granted the concession to provide electricity to Southern Buenos Aires.
Inspired by the majestic Sforza Castle, in Milán, Chiogna designed an electric power plant that looked like a Florentine palace. The construction resulted in a rectangular building of 7500 m², with two parallel units which housed boilers and turbines.
The growth of Buenos Aires demanded more energy, prompting the expansion of the power plant. Thus, for 80 years, the Usina was the energetic heart of the south of the City, generating electricity from oil, coal, gas and even maize in times of crisis.
With the arrival of the new millennium, the Government launched a project to convert the old power plant into a cultural centre, that would house the Buenos Aires Philharmonic Orchestra. Finally, in 2007, the restoration work began, returning the building to its former splendour.
For almost two years, experts worked on restoring the facades, bringing the original bricks, woodwork and moulding back to life. Additionally, a new metal roof was installed on both halls, an essential element to ensure soundproofing, given the site’s proximity to the Buenos Aires-La Plata motorway.
The building’s recovery involved not only structural restoration, but also its expansion. The area was doubled to 15.000 m², allowing for the creation of a versatile and modern cultural space.
In 2012, the entire venue was inaugurated with its current name: Usina del Arte.
Inside Usina del Arte
Its interior is home to unique spaces where various artistic manifestations converge.
The auditorium, the jewel of Usina del Arte, is located in the main hall. Inspired by the Beurs van Berlage concert hall in Amsterdam, this space with a capacity of 1.200 spectators and a 5.500 m² area, stands out for its exceptional acoustics, allowing audiences to enjoy concerts from its three levels: boxes, upper circle and side galleries. The chamber hall, on the other hand, offers a more intimate atmosphere, ideal for smaller performances.
The main hall, another emblematic space, is notable for its versatility. During the restoration, the concrete supports which once held the turbines were used to create an open and bright area, perfect for hosting exhibitions. The foyer, which connects the auditoriums with the rest of the venue, is used for various events, encouraging the dialogue among the different artistic disciplines that converge at the Usina.
The recent addition of Plaza de la Usina, an outdoor space with benches and a 2.300-square metre park, expands the cultural centre’s possibilities by allowing for outdoor concerts and events.
With a varied and high-quality cultural offer, Usina del Arte has become an artistic powerhouse, revitalising La Boca neighbourhood and positioning it as one of the most important and vibrant cultural hubs in Latin America.
If you wish to visit Usina del Arte , there are guided tours available all year round, offering the possibility to explore its facilities in both Spanish and English.
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