Text and photos by Leena Bahtiyarova

Unveiling city’s newly-opened Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent (CCA Tashkent)

On the 6th of September 2026, new Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent (CCA Tashkent) opened to the public, unveiling the city’s first permanent space of its kind; a contemporary hub for community, culture, and international artistic exchange. The Centre, a project envisioned by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), was brought to life by Paris-based architects Studio KO, internationally renowned for their culturally-harmonious designs. What was once a diesel station, more formerly a tram depot constructed in 1912, is now a re-imagined, expansive space that integrates Uzbekistan’s rich, cultural history, and promising future in the global arts scene.

Tashkent’s Expansion in Local and Global Contemporary Arts Spaces

Listed in TIME Magazine’s prestigious list of “World’s Greatest Places in 2026”, the CCA Tashkent is a home for artistry in all its forms, and aims to present opportunities for the local and global community to immerse themselves in Uzbekistan’s contemporary arts initiatives. The Centre supports both established and emerging artists, but also the general public, to get involved, through exhibitions, workshops, artist residencies and public programming.

Art is for everyone, and visitors will now be able to experience the various curated spaces within the CCA, including a library, cinema, restaurant and indoor/outdoor installations, at their leisure.

Hikmah: CCA’s Pioneering Exhibition

The CCA’s inaugural exhibition, Hikmah, explores relationships between “art, material intelligence and architecture” (Dr Sara Raza, Chief Curator of the CCA Tashkent), where works presented truly feel shaped by the space they reside in.

Hikmah is poignant, precise, and most importantly, playful. Each piece in the space feels carefully curated, imagined with the visitor’s experience in mind. Hikmah is interactive, expansive, and urging to be experienced, not just observed. Be prepared to get your hands messy, wander with no set path, and feel inspired by works from local Uzbek/Karakalpak, and global artists.

CCA Tashkent’s curator, Dr Sara Raza, shares Hikmah can also be thought of as an exhibition “method”, where works selected had been inspired by the “architectural memory”, and remnants of cultural history, preserved throughout the building’s reconstruction. Visitors first encounter each work as part of the intricate design of the CCA Tashkent space. The textures, the movement, the soundscapes and the wavering lighting all influence the visitor’s experience of the exhibition. Only after witnessing the piece in its interplay with the CCA Tashkent itself, can the visitor step closer to gain a more intimate appreciation of each selected work.

The space inspires motion, making room for inquisitiveness from many angles. Each visitor has the freedom to develop, and leave with their own, unique impressions.

The Future of the CCA Tashkent

Hikmah will run until 31st January 2027, where entry to the exhibition, and the CCA Tashkent will remain free of charge for all visitors, whether local or international.

Aside from its exhibitions, the CCA Tashkent aims to continue to invest in its public programmes, welcoming visitors from within Tashkent, as well as accelerating opportunities for cross-cultural connection and collaboration in Contemporary Arts, between Uzbekistan and the greater world.

In coming months, expect to see expanded education/professional development opportunities for youth and emerging artists, such as labs or workshops, Film Encounters, public lectures, performances and further events showcasing Uzbekistan’s artistic innovation in the heart of Tashkent.

Visiting the CCA Tashkent

The Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent is open Tuesday through to Sunday (10am to 8-10pm), and is located at 6 Amir Temur Street, Tashkent (Building B). It is easily accessible by car, or public transport, only a short walking distance from nearby bus or metro stops.

Ensure to check the official CCA website before visiting to confirm opening hours, as well as check current exhibitions, and upcoming events under the ‘Programme’ tab.

While there is no monetary cost to visit the CCA, visitors, and particularly larger groups, you will need to register their attendance in advance at https://ccat.uz/en.

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