The Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent opened on September 6, 2026, in a restored industrial building dating from 1912. Its inaugural exhibition, Hikmah, brings together artists from Uzbekistan and other countries.
A new life for an old building
Architecture studio Studio KO reimagined the space, previously used as a tram depot and diesel station. The restoration employed local materials and craft techniques from across Uzbekistan. The building’s industrial past informs the inaugural exhibition.
Curator Sara Raza connects Hikmah with ideas of wisdom and knowledge expressed through working with materials. The exhibition includes works by Ali Cherri, Kimsooja, Nari Ward, Vladimir Pan, Shokhrukh Rakhimov and others. Some were commissioned specifically for the new space.
Ali Cherri explores the relationship between archaeology, historical narratives and heritage. His work examines how excavated objects are moved into museums and become part of their collections.
The exhibition runs until January 31, 2027. The centre is at 6 Amir Temur Street, Building B.
CCA Tashkent was established by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation. Alongside exhibitions, it develops programmes in film, performance, music, design and literature. It also has a research library devoted to art and visual culture, open by appointment.
