Once a crumbling relic of Iran's industrial past, the Argo brewery in Tehran has been reborn as a vibrant contemporary art hub.
Hidden behind imposing brick walls in the heart of the city, the factory, which once produced one of Iran's oldest and most prominent beer brands, has been transformed into one of Tehran's most beautiful buildings, according to architect Nazanin Amirian, who recently visited its latest exhibition.
The restoration of the Argo factory, which had fallen into disrepair, has made it a standout architectural gem. However, many other historic buildings in the Iranian capital face less favorable prospects. "We hoped restoring Argo would inspire others to preserve similar buildings," said Hamid Reza Pejman, director of the Pejman Foundation, which led the project. Yet, economic difficulties, compounded by years of crippling sanctions and a lack of government support, have made similar efforts challenging.
The Argo factory was established more than a century ago and ceased production just before the 1979 Islamic revolution, which led to a strict ban on alcohol. The brewery was spared destruction during the revolution, unlike other breweries, and its brand now exists in alcohol-free form through a local beverage company. Since the revolution, bootleg alcohol has flourished, occasionally causing mass poisonings due to contamination.
Purchased by the Pejman Foundation in 2016, the factory's restoration preserved its iconic brick walls and chimney, maintaining its industrial aesthetic, while other parts of the building, such as the roof, were rebuilt. Opened to the public in 2020, the Argo Arts Centre now hosts exhibitions by local and international artists. In a nod to the building's past, non-alcoholic beer is available for sale.
The current exhibition features works by Iranian multidisciplinary artist Maryam Amini, including sculptures, paintings, and installations. As Tehran continues to expand with high-rises, cafes, and commercial centers, the Argo building is surrounded by modern developments in one of the city's busiest neighborhoods.
Despite the challenges, artist Amir Ali Izadi, who visited the site, expressed hope that more historic buildings in Tehran would be restored, saying it would "transform the city's landscape."
