Moscow Cinema: A Yerevan Landmark
Yerevan's historic cinema, a cultural hub since 1936, hosting film festivals and showcasing Armenian cinema.
The Moscow Cinema stands as a prominent landmark in Yerevan, located on Charles Aznavour Square on Abovyan Street. Opened on December 12, 1936, with the screening of the first Armenian sound film, "Pepo," the cinema has a rich history deeply intertwined with the city's cultural evolution. The cinema was built on the site of the St. Paul and Peter Church, which was demolished in the 1930s by Soviet authorities. The building was designed by architects Tiran Yerkanyan and Gevorg Kochar. Over the years, the cinema has undergone several redesigns, including renovations in 1960 and 1983. The facade is adorned with sculptures depicting scenes from famous Soviet-Armenian films such as "Chapayev," "Pepo," "David Bek," and "Sayat Nova". Today, the Moscow Cinema features four indoor halls: the Red Hall (491 seats), the Blue Hall (350 seats), the Small Red Hall (49 seats), and the Gallery (35 seats). There is also an open-air theater. The cinema is the main venue for the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival, held annually since 2004. Besides film screenings, the cinema hosts various events and exhibitions. The area in front of the cinema is named Charles Aznavour Square and includes a decorative pool with the "Signs of the Zodiac" fountain. The cinema combines elements of functional architecture with classical design, making it a unique architectural monument.
Local tips
- Check the cinema's schedule online for film listings and showtimes.
- Visit during the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival for a diverse selection of films.
- Explore Charles Aznavour Square in front of the cinema, featuring a fountain and mosaic.
- Take a moment to appreciate the Soviet-era sculptures on the cinema's facade.
A brief summary to Moscow Cinema
- 18 Abovyan St, Yerevan, Kentron, 0001, AM
- +37410521210
- Visit website
Getting There
-
Walking
From Republic Square, walk north along Abovyan Street for approximately 500 meters. The Moscow Cinema will be on your left, in Charles Aznavour Square. No costs involved.
-
Public Transport
Take the Yerevan Metro to Yeritasardakan station. From there, walk south along Abovyan Street for about 300 meters. The Moscow Cinema will be on your right. A single metro ride costs 100 AMD.
-
Taxi
Hail a taxi or use a ride-hailing app like GG Taxi or Yandex Taxi to get to Moscow Cinema at 18 Abovyan Street. A short taxi ride from the city center will typically cost around 1,300 AMD.
