Serraria Souza Pinto, Cultural center in central Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Serraria Souza Pinto is a former sawmill constructed with imported metal beams and framework that creates an open, spacious interior with high ceilings throughout. The structural design follows industrial principles, with clear sightlines and an adaptable floor layout suited for different uses.
It opened in 1913 as a sawmill and played a role in supplying construction materials for the new capital city's development. After decades of industrial use, it transitioned to cultural purposes beginning in 1999.
Today it functions as a venue for art shows, trade fairs, and concerts that draw visitors from across the city. The spaces retain their industrial character while serving as a gathering place for the community's cultural activities.
The venue offers dining options, vendor areas, and adaptable spaces suitable for many types of events and gatherings. Plan for around two hours to comfortably experience the interior and any activities taking place.
The building once featured an overhead conveyor system for moving logs through the facility, along with railroad tracks that ran directly inside the structure. Though no longer operational, these features remain visible and shape how visitors experience the space today.
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