The building was designed by architects Chiogna and Hortal in 1916 using red brick imported from England.
The main auditorium, Sala Sinfónica, was acoustically designed by international firm Arau Acústica to accommodate a 1,200-person capacity.
It originally supplied electricity to Buenos Aires during the city's early 20th-century expansion.
The renovation project in the 2010s preserved the original industrial aesthetic while integrating modern acoustic panels and exhibition lighting.
The venue often hosts the Buenos Aires International Tango Festival events.
Usina del Arte is a multidisciplinary cultural center housed in the former Italo-Argentine Electricity Company power plant, a notable example of early 20th-century Florentine Renaissance style. Located in the La Boca neighborhood, the structure served as a power station until its decommissioning and subsequent architectural restoration into a public arts venue. The complex features an expansive symphony hall, several exhibition galleries for contemporary visual arts, and multifunctional spaces for dance and theater. Its architectural design maintains the original brick facade and industrial proportions, repurposing massive machinery rooms into light-filled event spaces. It functions as a hub for the Buenos Aires government’s cultural programming, hosting concerts, festivals, and large-scale art installations. The center is a primary anchor of the District of Arts, an urban initiative aimed at revitalizing the surrounding industrial corridor.
The central staircase and the view looking up into the grand hall, which highlight the contrast between the historic red brick and modern metal installations.
Check the official website for free program calendars before visiting, as events are often scheduled on weekends.
Combine your visit with a walk through the neighboring streets of La Boca to see the area's distinct architectural heritage.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the large, cavernous rooms of the facility.
Do not wander into isolated industrial blocks outside of the immediate vicinity of the museum as the surrounding area is a working neighborhood with varying levels of tourist foot traffic.
Typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
