Dalan Art Gallery

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Dalan Art Gallery is a charming and vibrant cultural venue nestled in the heart of Yerevan, Armenia. Located at 12 Abovyan Street in the city centre, the gallery occupies a beautifully restored nineteenth‑century house and offers visitors an engaging fusion of contemporary art, handicrafts, dining, and historic ambience. Visitors are invited to explore this unique space that celebrates Armenian creativity within a warm and historic setting.

About the Museum

Since its founding in 2011, the Dalan Art Gallery has showcased the works of 26 contemporary artists from the post‑Soviet period of Armenia and the wider region. The gallery offers both solo and group exhibitions throughout the year—over 30 exhibitions annually—providing frequent opportunities to discover new voices alongside more established talents.
The artistic programme emphasises the relationship between Armenia’s past and its present context. Many of the featured artists explore themes such as national identity, memory, and cultural transformation through diverse visual media.

The venue spans several inviting spaces. Upon entering, visitors pass through a souvenir shop beneath an archway—“dalan” in Armenian refers to such traditional architectural features—where a variety of handmade items are on sale. In this shop, one may find dolls, decorative jewellery, wooden boxes, textiles, ceramic pieces, small musical instruments, and other artisan creations crafted by local makers.
At the rear of the shop is a beautiful hidden courtyard, often used as an open‑air café featuring vines overhead and occasional live music or folk performances. From there, guests may enter the main house. On the ground level, a restaurant and tea house serve traditional Armenian dishes and beverages, including a selection of more than twenty varieties of tea, sweet pastries such as nut‑and‑fruit‑filled gata, grilled dishes like meats and dolma, and a wine selection that reflects both local and international labels.

In the upper rooms, the art gallery galleries present rotating exhibitions of painting, installations, and mixed media artworks. The interior retains much of its nineteenth‑century character, offering a sense of old Yerevan architecture and atmosphere while guests admire contemporary creative expressions.

Interesting Facts

The gallery has promoted the works of 26 contemporary post‑Soviet artists since it opened in 2011.
It hosts more than thirty exhibitions every year, including both local and international shows as well as solo and group displays.
The building is a restored nineteenth‑century traditional Yerevan house, adding historic charm to the art experience.
“Dalan” refers to the archway or covered corridor in Armenian architecture, which here leads into the souvenir gallery.
The venue combines a gallery, artisan gift shop, open‑air café, tea house, and full restaurant under one roof.
Visitors often enjoy the hidden courtyard café beneath vines, which occasionally hosts evening concerts or live music performances.
The souvenir shop sells high‑quality handmade crafts: including carved wooden boxes, textiles, ceramics, small musical instruments, and decorative jewellery.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +3749 958 0658

Website: dalan.am/

Facebook: facebook.com/DalanArtDecor/

Conclusion

The Dalan Art Gallery in Yerevan offers a multifaceted cultural experience that blends contemporary visual art, traditional craftsmanship, and Armenian hospitality in one historic setting. Visitors can wander through gallery exhibitions, explore the artisan shop, relax with a cup of tea or coffee in a vine‑covered courtyard, and savour local cuisine in an atmospheric restaurant. The combination of rotating art exhibitions, handcrafted souvenirs, delicious food and drink, and a beautifully restored nineteenth‑century building makes this venue both inspiring and inviting. Whether you are an art lover, a foodie, a shopper of unique gifts, or simply seeking a peaceful corner in old Yerevan, the Dalan Art Gallery promises a memorable and delightful visit.