The O.G.R is a hand-made eclecticism. An incubator of creativity, the Officine Grandi Riparazioni are probably among the most active and dynamic spaces not only in Turin but also in Italy. Just one year after the official opening to the public they immediately imposed themselves as an experimental and avant-garde yard within the Turin cultural scene.
Being able to describe such a fertile and original space is a difficult undertaking. Because first of all the OGR are a place to live day by day. They are not the usual concert space, or the usual museum or the classic restaurant, nor the usual office. We are talking about a super ambitious project that brings together souls of all kinds united by the fact of being distinguishable.
As the name suggests, the Officine Grandi Riparazioni was a place used for the maintenance of railway carriages: an area of 35,000 square meters completely renovated in the sign of industrial architecture. Iron, glass, exposed brick and peeling walls characterize the huge H-shaped building that now hosts concerts, workshops, installations, exhibitions, coworking, restaurants, bars and much more.
Let yourself be surprised by the incredible offer of art and music of the Officina Nord, which in just one year has hosted international artists such as Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, Chemical Brothers, New Orders passing through the piano notes by Yann Tiersen, Ezio bosso and Michael Nyman. As well as John Cale, the Blonde Redhead and the unpredictable Arto Lisndsay.
The OGRs are to live. In addition to the big names, the program is full of “minor”events that encourage artists to be discovered. But this space is also an artistic laboratory: exhibitions, installations, performances and dance are organized in an incredible mix of creativity which is meant to overwhelm and inspire you.
Officine Sud, on the other hand, is nearing completion and will soon open. An equally large space (9000 square meters) entirely dedicated to innovation and creation. A place where ideas can be put in place through support for startups and companies operating in the creative industries sector.
Finally, the part dedicated to food and beverage could not be missed. In fact, at the center of this large H we find the Snodo, the beating heart of the OGR restaurants. From breakfast to cocktails after dinner, this space also to be unique and intriguing: the bistro restaurant for a quick but equally tasty and inviting meal. The Officina del Gusto for a more refined and elegant dinner and finally the bar with its classic and international breakfasts, snacks and evening cocktails and aperitifs. Each of these proposals has its ideal frame designed for the time of the day: from the most intimate environments to the long solid wood social table in which to talk, work or drink coffee in company of others.
In short, the OGRs are truly an all-round experience to be lived daily, to always be surprised, and never have a dull moment.