Cafesjian Museum of Art Museum

Address: Cafesjian Center for the Arts (The Cascade), Yerevan, Armenia

Website: https://cafesjian.am

Cafesjian Museum of Art is a contemporary and modern art centre integrated into the Cascade terraces in central Yerevan, Armenia. It displays a mix of indoor galleries and outdoor sculpture across the stepped Cascade structure.

Terraced outdoor sculptures and landscaped stairways link a series of indoor galleries housing rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection of modern works. The Cascade offers panoramic views over Yerevan and the museum’s outdoor spaces are an important part of the visitor experience.

The museum was founded by philanthropist Gerard L. Cafesjian and established within the Cascade redevelopment; its galleries and outdoor displays have been developed since the late 20th century. The institution organises temporary exhibitions, public programmes and conservation activities.

Sited on the Cascade in central Yerevan, the museum occupies a prominent position in the city’s Kentron district and is within walking distance of Republic Square and other civic landmarks.

• Collection focus: The collection emphasises modern and contemporary works, including prominent glass and sculpture pieces that are displayed both indoors and across the cascade terraces.

What to See#

• Cascade terraces and sculpture garden: Built into the terraces of Yerevan’s Cascade complex, the museum combines indoor gallery spaces with extensive outdoor sculpture terraces and panoramic viewpoints over central Yerevan.

The Cafesjian Museum of Art is located on the Cascade in central Yerevan. From Republic Square (the city’s metro and bus hub) it’s an uphill walk of about 10-15 minutes to the Cascade complex; alternatively take a short taxi or local bus to the Cascade/Tamanyan Street area and enter the museum from the cascade terraces.

• Enter the Cafesjian Museum via the Cascades (the big outdoor stairway) and work your way up-the outdoor sculpture terraces offer strong city views and are less crowded early in the day.
• Don't skip the interior Glass Gallery and the contemporary-arts rooms inside the Cascade complex; many visitors only see the exterior sculptures and miss the museum's curated indoor installations.
• Pair your visit with a stop at the cascade's rooftop terraces for panorama shots of Yerevan and to see outdoor works from different angles-this gives a fuller sense of the museum's integration with the urban stairway.