"Cascade in Memory" returning exhibition

The building that now houses the Cafesjian Center for the Arts is well known as The Cascade. The idea was originally conceived by the architect Alexander Tamanyan (1878–1936). Tamanyan desired to connect the northern and central parts of the city with a vast green area of waterfalls and gardens, cascading down one of the city’s highest promontories, which in fact is the current location of the Cascade.

In 1960s, a fountain designed by architect Vardan Hyusnyan (1927-2002) was built in this location. The fountain had a unique mosaic, designed by sculptor Derenik Danielyan (1912-1994). Since then the venue had already become the public’s highly beloved place.

In the late 1970s, the Chief Architect of Yerevan Jim Torosyan decided to revive Tamanyan’s original plan with new approaches. Architects Jim Torosyan (1926-2014), Sargis Gurzadyan (1929-2015) and Aslan Mkhitaryan (b. 1947) incorporated new interesting ideas that included a monumental exterior stairway, a long indoor shaft containing a series of escalators, and an intricate network of galleries, courtyards, and outdoor gardens embellished with numerous works of sculpture bearing references to Armenia’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The construction of the Cascade was launched in the late 1970s but was abandoned after the Armenian earthquake of 1988 and the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991. With independent rule and the transition to democracy, Armenia entered a period of severe economic hardship, and the Cascade remained a neglected relic of the Soviet era for more than a decade.

In 2002, the Cafesjian Museum Foundation, in agreement with the City of Yerevan and the Government of the Republic of Armenia, initiated the renovation of the Cascade Complex.

After 7 years of construction works, in November 2009, the Cascade Complex was reopened with its 10 new galleries as the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, bearing the name of its principal benefactor Gerard L. Cafesjian.

The Cafesjian Center for the Arts is dedicated to bringing the best of contemporary art to Armenia and presenting the best of Armenian culture to the world. Inspired by the vision of its founder, Gerard L. Cafesjian, the Center offers a wide variety of exhibitions, including an important selection or works from the Gerard L. Cafesjian Collection of contemporary art. A diverse program of lectures, films, concerts, and numerous educational programs for adults and children augment the Center’s dynamic exhibition schedule.

The Cafesjian Sculpture Garden hosts an exhibition of artworks by world-renowned artists. It is distinguished by unique floral designs with art motifs, enriching the environment with fresh breath and beauty.

With annual visitation of over one million people, the Center has now become one of the most important cultural destinations of the region.

During its 16-year operation the Cafesjian Center for the Arts has organized:

• 80 exhibitions,

• 74 educational programs with 2.000 sessions

and 55.000 participants,

• 880 concerts with an audience of 58.000,

• 200 public events with thousands of participants.

Cascade Statistics

Number of steps: 572

Distance to the Cascade top: 302 m

Distance to the Monument Terrace: 450 m

Width: 50 m