Last updated on .
The Cascade Complex is one of the most popular attractions in Yerevan. It connects the city center with Victory Park.
Introduction to the Cascade Complex
The Cascade Complex was first proposed by architect Alexander Tamanian (1878-1936) in the 1920s. The project was largely forgotten until the late 1970s, when it was revived by architect Jim Torosyan (1926-2014). Construction started in the 1980s but was abandoned after the 1988 Armenian earthquake and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The project sat unfinished and neglected until 2002, when Gerard Cafesjian (1925-2013) offered a generous donation to restore and complete the complex. It opened on November 17, 2009, as the home of the Cafesjian Center for the Arts.
The museum displays some of the world’s finest examples of contemporary art and sculpture. Over 500 works belonged to the personal collection of Cafesjian. The galleries are open Friday through Sunday and admission is free (as of November 2014).
Cafesjian Sculpture Garden
The Cafesjian Sculpture Garden takes up the lowest level of the Cascade Complex. It’s a promenade featuring long walkways dotted with large-scale sculptures by world-renowned artists. The streets along both sides of the garden are lined with cafés and restaurants.
At the south end is a monument to architect Alexander Tamanian, who was instrumental in the planning and design of modern Yerevan. It was inaugurated on June 26, 1974, and created by architect Seda Petrosyan and sculptor Artashes Hovsepyan (1931-2017). The sculpture depicts Tamanian at a table, symbolizing the bridge between old and new architecture.
Other notable works include three sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero (1932-2023), Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, and Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos.
Terraces of the Cascade Complex
There are 5 terraces at the Cascade Complex with 572 steps to the top, running at a 15° slope. Fortunately, if you don’t feel like walking, there’s an indoor escalator that will take you all the way up. Whether you decide on walking up or down, you’ll notice that each level is a unique work of art. Furthermore, you can enjoy different perspectives of Yerevan.
First Terrace
The first terrace features a fountain with 15 jets pouring water from concrete structures made to look like medieval sundials. You’ll find similar fountains on each level of the complex.
Second Terrace
The second terrace contains plant motifs and more fountains. There’s a beautiful garden with The Visitor, a bronze sculpture by British artist David Breuer-Weil, in a sunken area in the center.
Third Terrace
The third terrace is similar to the second terrace, with plant motifs, a garden, and fountains, but at the time of my visit there was no sculpture in the center.
Fourth Terrace
On the fourth terrace, there’s a relief of a dove with grapes and pomegranates behind the garden. Again, there were no other sculptures at the time of my visit.
On the steps to the right, just above the fourth terrace, is a stele with some of the national symbols of Armenia. It stands next to modern representations of khachkars. There’s also a small terrace midway between the fourth and fifth terraces.
Fifth Terrace
The fifth and final level contains more pomegranate motifs as well as Three Divers by British artist David Martin. You’ll also get fantastic views of Yerevan. If the weather cooperates, you’ll get a glimpse of Mount Ararat in the distance.
Monumental Terrace
Above the Cascade Complex is the Monumental Terrace. It features an obelisk built in 1971 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Soviet rule in Armenia. The obelisk, named The Revived Armenia, stands 56 meters high and is decorated with Urartu symbols. It’s possible to climb up to this level if you’d like.
The area between the fifth terrace and the Monumental Terrace is in the process of development (as of November 2024). When finished it will consist of a large museum and two cinemas.
