Usina del Arte

History

The Usina del Arte occupies the building of the old Usina Don Pedro de Mendoza, built between 1912 and 1916 for the Italian Argentine Electricity Company. Designed by the Italian architect Giovanni (Juan) Chiogna, it was conceived as a "super plant" to meet the growing electrical demand of the city, with large industrial halls and a clock tower that became a landmark of the La Boca landscape.

For nearly eight decades, it operated as a power generation plant until it fell into disuse in the 1990s, when the service was privatized. After years of abandonment, the building was restored through a joint project between the national government and the City, with the aim of converting it into a large cultural center and public auditorium.

The restoration works respected the original envelope of exposed brick and reinforced its structure to accommodate symphonic halls, chamber spaces, exhibition areas, and services. In 2012, it was officially inaugurated as Usina del Arte, establishing itself as a cultural hub that combines architectural heritage, artistic programming, and activities open to residents and visitors.

The Usina Today

The Usina today hosts symphonic and popular concerts, festivals, exhibitions, fairs, classes, programs for children, and free activities for diverse audiences, bringing life to the old industrial halls.

Its Heritage Importance

The Usina del Arte is a key piece of the industrial heritage of the city and a milestone in the history of electrification in Buenos Aires. The building recalls the era when large power plants transformed urban life, and its conversion into cultural halls and spaces shows that these infrastructures can remain active in other ways. Today it is a reference point for La Boca and a gateway to music and the arts for very diverse audiences.

The Usina del Arte is an emblematic case of the conversion of industrial heritage into cultural space. Its architecture recalls the history of electrification in Buenos Aires and its present expands the cultural map of the city, bringing quality programming to the southern part of the city.