The Cascades and Cafesjian Center for the Arts

Looking for something to do in Yerevan that is easily accessible?  Well, how about visiting the two above-mentioned tourist attractions?  Placed together because they are part of the same complex, they have been ranked 5^th out of 31 attractions in Yerevan on Trip Adviser and they are definitely worth a visit whether you fancy a laid back, relaxed morning or afternoon in the nation’s capital or a little more exertion.  Located at 10 Tamanyan Street, Yerevan 009, it links the downtown Kentron area of Yerevan with the Monument neighbourhood, as well as allowing visitors spectacular views of both Yerevan and Mount Ararat.  

The Cascades and Cafesjian Center for the Arts

History of The Cascades

The idea for The Cascades was initially envisaged by the architect Alexander Tamayan, who visualised joining the northern and central parts of Armenia’s capital, known as the historic residential and cultural parts of the city.  However, he didn’t want to just join them, he wanted to join them using a vast lush area of garden and waterfalls.  Unfortunately, Tamayan died in 1936 before he saw his dream realised and the plan was not revived until the late 1970s.

It was at this time that the architect Jim Torosyan took Tamayan’s original plan but incorporated exciting fresh ideas, including: a colossal exterior staircase; a long interior shaft containing a series of escalators; and a complex system of halls, courtyards and gardens decorated with an abundance of sculptures depicting Armenia’s history and cultural heritage.  With this vision in mind, building of The Cascades began in 1980s.

Regrettably, the Armenian earthquake of 1988 followed by the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a period of severe economic hardship that halted the construction of this landmark until 2002.  Over the following 7 years, the entire structure was renovated with the help of its benefactor, the American-Armenian businessman, Gerard L. Cafesjian.  However, despite the renovation, The Cascade remains unfinished and rests 256 feet from its intended end, below The Monument.

The Addition of the Cafesian Center for the Arts

Gerard L. Cafesjian was also the philanthropist that founded the Cafesjian Family Foundation, the Cafesjian Museum Foundation and, finally, the accompaniment to The Cascades: The Cafesjian Center for the Arts.  Spending 35 million dollars on the renovation of The Cascade and construction of the arts centre, Cafesjian’s aim was to bring happiness in to the lives of everyday Armenians through exposure to art.  Construction of his Centre for the Arts began in spring in 2005 and although building was only supposed to take 3 years, the museum was not actually finished until the autumn of 2009.  Designed by a New York firm of architects, the project attracted a great deal of publicity and controversy for its ambitious nature and was described as a megalomaniacal project and a strange and spectacular building.

What to Expect from a Visit

 The Cascade comprises of 572 steps rising to a height of 991 feet on an incline of 15 degrees.  However, if you do not fancy the exercise of climbing these stairs, there is an escalator in the interior (the entrance is to the left) and, as you ride to the top, you can admire the displays of the art collection on either side.  However, if you decide to ride the escalator up, you will miss the views from the steps – which are beyond spectacular.  Also, if you ride the escalator and want to visit the monument at the top, you need to be aware that there will still be a climb of a few hundred metres.

In the 1990s, before the renovation on The Cascades began, it had started to be used as a very progressive nightclub.  However, since the renovation, it has become a focal point of the city that is utilised as a public entertainment space – with many a free concert given by popular Armenian performers, as well as foreign artistes.  Therefore, if you go during the summer, you may have the honour of attending one of these free concerts.

The Cafesjian Center for the Arts will add to the whole cultural experience at The Cascades by offering you the best of Armenian culture to peruse, as well as a wide variety of exhibitions of contemporary art combined with lectures, films, concerts and educational programmes for both adults and children.

Trip Advisor Ratings and Testimonials

As previously mentioned, The Cascades and the Cafesjian Centre for the Arts are ranked 5^th out of 31 Armenian tourist attractions on Trip Adviser, with 120 out of 197 independent reviewers giving it 5 out of 5 and 60 more giving it 4 stars out of 5.  Some of the guests said the following:

                ‘Favourite place in the city.’

                ‘A place to remember...’

                ‘Best centrally-located tourist (and non-tourist) place to visit in Yerevan.’

                ‘Excellent artwork and great view of Yerevan.’

Ultimately, it seems that there is a lot of history to learn at these attractions, as well as lots of Armenian culture and heritage to be soaked up!