Historic water tank transformed into Buenos Aires museum

An English-built water tank, erected in 1915 and once a vital supplier for the Retiro railway complex, now stands as a testament to adaptive reuse in Buenos Aires. Located next to Thays Park and the Illia highway, this heritage building, a relic of early industrial modernization and English railway architecture, has been reborn as a museum.

The structure's exterior retains its original brickwork, reflecting the architectural style prevalent during the Industrial Revolution. Inside, however, the former water reservoir has been transformed into exhibition spaces showcasing architecture, design, art, and contemporary jewelry. This transformation respects the building's historical identity while adapting it for cultural purposes.

In 1997, the state transferred the 280-square-meter, five-story tank to the Sociedad Central de Arquitectos (SCA). At the time, it was in a state of alarming disrepair, with a flooded basement, a consequence of the obsolescence of steam infrastructure with the advent of diesel technology. The SCA embarked on a significant restoration and expansion project.

Architect Julio Keselman led the museum's expansion in 2007, converting the tank into a new exhibition hall. This intervention on the top level preserved the concrete buttresses and introduced a row of windows to allow natural light. The staircase module was also extended, creating a distinct exhibition space across the tower's five levels. The project aimed to integrate the revitalized tower into the city's vibrant museum circuit, which includes institutions like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and Malba.