The Cascade: Yerevan's Stairway to Art

The Cascade is more than just a stairway; it's a symbol of Yerevan, Armenia, representing a blend of architectural ambition, artistic expression, and historical significance. Conceived in the 1920s by architect Alexander Tamanyan as a way to link the northern and central parts of the city, the project was not realized until the late 20th century. Construction began in the 1980s but was interrupted by the 1988 earthquake and the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Cascade's design, revitalized by architect Jim Torosyan, incorporates Tamanyan's vision with new elements such as a monumental exterior stairway, indoor escalators, courtyards, and sculpture gardens. The complex was renovated in the early 2000s by Gerard Cafesjian, an Armenian-American philanthropist, and it now houses the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. The structure itself is 302 meters long and includes 572 steps, divided into five platforms. Inside the Cascade, escalators make the climb easier, leading to exhibition halls of the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. The outdoor area features sculptures by renowned artists like Fernando Botero and Lynn Chadwick. The Cascade offers panoramic views of Yerevan and, on clear days, the majestic Mount Ararat. A 56-meter tall obelisk, built in 1971, crowns the white stairs of the Cascade.