Cafesjian Center for the Arts | Yerevan

The Cafesjian Center for the Arts in Yerevan is a striking contemporary art museum located within The Cascade complex. Its design merges modern architecture with the monumental stairway of the Cascade, creating a seamless connection between urban landscape, sculpture, and interior exhibition spaces. The museum stands as a hub for contemporary Armenian and international art, blending visual engagement with architectural drama.

Historical Background

Opened in 2009, the Cafesjian Center was established by the philanthropist Gerard L. Cafesjian to promote contemporary art and cultural dialogue. Its collections include paintings, glass art, sculpture, and mixed-media works, alongside rotating exhibitions featuring Armenian and global artists. The center is also dedicated to educational programs, public engagement, and fostering artistic innovation.

Architecture and Layout

The building is integrated into the Cascade’s monumental stairway, with terraces, escalators, and indoor galleries flowing upward alongside the exterior steps. Large windows allow natural light to fill the exhibition halls, while the open design ensures visual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. The architectural style emphasizes clean lines, glass, and steel, contrasting yet complementing the tuff stone of the Cascade itself.

Collections and Exhibits

The center’s permanent collection emphasizes modern and contemporary Armenian art, including sculpture, painting, and glassworks. A signature highlight is the extensive glass collection, featuring intricate sculptures and decorative pieces that exploit light and transparency. Rotating exhibitions bring international art to Yerevan, creating a dialogue between local and global artistic currents. The museum also displays large-scale installations that engage with the Cascade terraces, turning the museum’s outdoor space into an extension of its exhibitions.

Outdoor and Terrace Spaces

The terraces of the Cascade serve as outdoor galleries, dotted with monumental sculptures and interactive installations. Visitors ascending the stairways encounter works by prominent Armenian and international artists, with Mount Ararat visible in the distance on clear days. The combination of art, urban landscape, and panoramic views transforms the ascent into a layered experience of visual and spatial engagement.

Visitor Experience

Visitors often begin at the lower levels of the Cascade, gradually moving upward through indoor galleries and outdoor terraces. The interplay of natural light, expansive views, and carefully curated artworks encourages both contemplation and active exploration. The experience is dynamic: indoor exhibitions offer close encounters with individual works, while outdoor installations provide a sense of scale and interaction with the surrounding cityscape.

Cultural Significance

The Cafesjian Center for the Arts represents Armenia’s commitment to contemporary artistic expression, bridging local creativity with international trends. It serves as both an educational institution and a public space for cultural engagement, fostering appreciation for modern art within Yerevan. Its integration with the Cascade and connection to the city’s urban life make it a vital destination for understanding Armenia’s evolving cultural landscape.