Cafesjian Center For The Arts
Introduction
The Cafesjian Center for the Arts, located in the heart of Yerevan, Armenia, is a celebration of modern creativity and cultural connection. Nestled around the iconic Yerevan Cascade—an architectural stair-stepped jewel—the Center offers an immersive journey through contemporary sculpture, glass art, painting, and multimedia. Offering free admission, it invites both residents and travelers to experience world-class exhibitions in a warm, inspiring setting.
About the Museum
The museum was established by philanthropist Gerard L. Cafesjian and officially opened in November of 2009. Its mission is clear: to bring outstanding contemporary art to Armenia and share Armenian cultural richness with a global audience. The facility occupies both the grandeur of the external Cascade structure and the multiple indoor galleries beneath it. Inside, visitors can wander through spaces such as Gallery One, Khanjyan Gallery, Eagle Gallery, Sasuntsi Davit Gallery, Star Landing, and a special events auditorium. Each gallery is thoughtfully designed to highlight diverse artistic disciplines—from monumental murals and bas-reliefs to finely crafted glass installations and rotating exhibitions.
The outdoor Cafesjian Sculpture Garden, set at the base of the Cascade, houses large-scale works by internationally recognized sculptors. These pieces are beautifully integrated into the terraced landscape, fountains, and walkways, creating a harmonious blend of nature, architecture, and art. Indoors, one can admire an impressive collection of glass artworks—particularly those by Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová—alongside pieces by global names such as Dale Chihuly, Fernando Botero, Arshile Gorky, and Jaume Plensa.
Beyond exhibition halls, the Center hosts a vibrant program of lectures, educational initiatives, film screenings, dance performances, and classical and jazz concerts. The “Encounters with Art” series and monthly music events engage both adults and children in creative experiences. A museum store offers artful gifts ranging from jewelry and glassware to home décor and books.
Practical details: The Sculpture Garden is open every day from 08:00 to 20:00 and the escalator gallery also operates daily during those hours. Indoor exhibitions, the museum store, and the visitor centre are open Fridays through Sundays from 10:00 to 20:00, with extended seasonal opening in spring and summer. Admission is free.
Interesting Facts
- The museum is built around the iconic Yerevan Cascade, a monumental staircase of 572 steps laid over 302 metres, surrounded by terraces and fountains.
- Its collection features over 5 000 works in glass, painting, and sculpture, drawn primarily from Gerard Cafesjian’s private collection.
- The Khanjyan Gallery showcases a monumental triptych titled “History of Armenia” by Grigor Khanjyan; its “Rebirth of Armenia” panel was the backdrop for a speech by a visiting US Secretary of State.
- Each month, the Center organizes concerts ranging from classical sonatas to jazz and folk dance performances in both indoor auditoriums and the Sculpture Garden.
- Since its opening, the Center has drawn more than one million visitors annually, becoming one of Armenia’s most popular cultural attractions.
Photo Gallery
Physical Location
Contact Details
Phone: +3741 054 1932
Website: www.cmf.am/
Facebook: facebook.com/cafesjiancentercascade/?ref=embed_page#
Conclusion
The Cafesjian Center for the Arts is a dynamic cultural destination that seamlessly blends striking architecture with a rich and diverse art collection. Ideal for solo explorers, families, art lovers, and casual visitors, the Center offers opportunities for reflection, inspiration, and joyful participation. Whether you explore the spectacular outdoor sculpture gardens, admire luminous glass displays, discover Armenian heritage through the Khanjyan murals, or enjoy an evening concert, every visit promises a memorable experience. With free admission, extended visiting hours, and a vibrant calendar of events, it is a must-see in Yerevan—and a testament to the power of art to connect communities and cross boundaries.
