Yerevan Opera Theatre

The Yerevan Opera Theatre is the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet located in central Yerevan, and is the city’s main venue for opera, ballet and large-scale concerts. It is an early 20th century landmark associated with architect Alexander Tamanian and Armenia’s modern cultural life.

The building houses full-scale opera and ballet productions and concert programmes, with a main auditorium and supplementary halls used for recitals and smaller performances. The ornate exterior and the square in front make it a frequent stop on city walking tours and a focal point for public events.

The theatre was planned as part of Yerevan’s 20th century urban development under architect Alexander Tamanian and opened in the early 1930s as Armenia’s main opera and ballet house. Over time it has hosted national premieres and touring companies and has been maintained as the country’s principal performing arts institution.

Sited in central Yerevan near Republic Square and the Cascade, the theatre sits in the city’s cultural core within walking distance of museums, government buildings and major hotels.

• Name and architect: Named for composer Alexander Spendiaryan and designed by architect Alexander Tamanian, the theatre is Yerevan's principal venue for opera and ballet.
• Best view: Evening performances and the building's facade are best viewed from the steps and square directly in front of the theatre, especially after dark when the exterior is lit.