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The Cascade: Yerevan's Stairway to Art

Climb Yerevan's Cascade: Where art, architecture, and stunning views unite in a unique cultural experience.

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The Cascade is a monumental stairway in Yerevan, Armenia, connecting the city center to the upper districts. Adorned with sculptures, fountains, and gardens, it's an open-air museum showcasing contemporary art. Inside, escalators provide easy access to the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, making it a cultural hub and a must-see landmark.

A brief summary to Cascade Complex

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for breathtaking views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat.
  • Take advantage of the free escalators inside to ascend the Cascade comfortably.
  • Explore the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, which features modern and contemporary art exhibitions.
  • Wander through the sculpture garden to see works by international artists like Fernando Botero and Lynn Chadwick.
  • Check the Cafesjian Center for the Arts website for information on current exhibitions and events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Yerevan Opera Theater on Freedom Square, walk north along Tumanyan Street. Continue straight onto Tamanyan Street. The Cascade complex will be directly ahead on Tamanyan Street, approximately a 10-15 minute walk. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Yerevan Metro to Marshal Baghramyan station. From the station, walk northeast on Marshal Baghramyan Avenue, then turn right onto Tamanyan Street. The Cascade will be on your left. The metro fare is 100 AMD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Yerevan. Use a ride-hailing app like GG Taxi or Yandex Taxi to book a ride to the Cascade Complex. A short taxi ride from Republic Square or the city center will typically cost between 800-1200 AMD.

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Discover more about Cascade Complex

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.

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