The Cascade: Yerevan's Stairway to Art

The Cascade is a striking architectural marvel in Yerevan, serving as both a grand stairway and an open-air museum of modern art. Conceived in the 1920s by architect Alexander Tamanyan, the concept was to link the northern and central parts of Yerevan with cascading waterfalls and gardens. However, the project was only revived in the late 1970s by Yerevan's chief architect, Jim Torosyan, along with Sargis Gurzadyan and Aslan Mkhitaryan. The complex consists of five main terraces connected by 572 steps, stretching 302 meters in length and 50 meters in width. Inside, escalators and elevators provide an alternative to the stairs. The outdoor space features sculptures by renowned artists like Fernando Botero and Lynn Chadwick. The Cafesjian Museum of Art is integrated within the Cascade, showcasing a diverse collection of contemporary art. Construction began in the 1980s but was interrupted by the 1988 earthquake and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It wasn't until 2002 that renovations resumed, thanks to the initiative of philanthropist Gerard Cafesjian. The Cascade now stands as a symbol of Yerevan, offering stunning views of the city and Mount Ararat.