in Yerevan, Armenia
Cafesjian Museum of Art
A contemporary art museum housed within the Cascade complex, featuring the private collection of American-Armenian Gerard Cafesjian. The museum displays modern and contemporary glass art, paintings, and sculptures by international artists including Botero, Lichtenstein, and Arman. Outdoor sculpture garden enhances the experience.
The Cafesjian Museum of Art is embedded within the Cascade, Yerevan's dramatic outdoor staircase-monument that climbs from the city center up toward Victory Park. The museum operates across multiple gallery levels inside the Cascade structure and extends into the surrounding sculpture garden, making it simultaneously a dedicated contemporary art museum and one of the most pleasant outdoor spaces in the Armenian capital.
The collection was assembled by American-Armenian businessman Gerard Cafesjian and donated to Armenia. It spans modern and contemporary international art with a particular concentration on glass art, including works by Dale Chihuly whose large-scale glass installations animate several gallery spaces. Sculpture by Fernando Botero is prominently displayed — his characteristic oversized bronze figures line the outdoor terraces of the Cascade, visible and photographable free of charge from the street level below. Works by Roy Lichtenstein, Arman, and other significant 20th-century figures populate the interior galleries.
The indoor galleries span five levels of the Cascade structure. Each level is accessible by escalator or stairs, and the galleries open onto terrace landings with views over Yerevan and toward Mount Ararat on clear days. The permanent collection is supplemented by rotating temporary exhibitions. The outdoor sculpture garden at the base of the Cascade requires no ticket and features large-scale bronzes and stone works in a landscaped setting — a worthwhile destination even for visitors who skip the paid indoor galleries.
A focused visit to the indoor galleries takes 1 to 1.5 hours; walking the full Cascade from base to summit (approximately 575 steps) and returning through the galleries extends the experience to 2.5 to 3 hours. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 8pm and is closed on Mondays. Admission is 1,000 AMD for adults. An on-site café at a mid-level terrace serves coffee and light meals with views across the city.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-8pm, closed Mondays
Best for: art lovers, couples, photography
Location
10 Tamanyan Street, Cascade Complex, Yerevan 0009
40.1886, 44.5155 — View on map
Highlights
- Dale Chihuly glass art installations across multiple gallery levels of the Cascade structure
- Fernando Botero bronze sculptures lining the Cascade terraces, viewable free of charge outdoors
- Five-level museum with escalators opening onto panoramic terraces overlooking Mount Ararat
- Free outdoor sculpture garden at the Cascade base with large-scale international works
Tips
- Free outdoor sculpture garden
- Combine with Cascade climb
- Photography allowed without flash
- Cafe on site with great views
FAQ
How long does a visit to the Cafesjian Museum take?
The indoor galleries take 1 to 1.5 hours. Adding the walk up the full Cascade staircase and the outdoor sculpture garden extends the visit to 2.5 to 3 hours. The outdoor sculpture garden is free and can be visited independently.
Is photography allowed in the museum?
Photography without flash is permitted in most gallery spaces. Some temporary exhibitions may restrict photography — signage at each gallery entrance indicates the current policy.
Is the Cafesjian Museum suitable for children?
Yes. The outdoor Cascade and sculpture garden engage all ages. The indoor galleries feature large-format works, and the escalators between levels add a novel element. The Botero bronzes outside are particularly popular with children.
Accessibility
The indoor museum galleries are accessible by escalator between levels. The outdoor Cascade staircase itself is not passable by wheelchair to the summit, but the ground-level sculpture garden and lower gallery floors are reachable without stairs.
When to visit
Late afternoon visits (4–6pm) combine the museum with golden-hour light on the Cascade terraces and views of Mount Ararat. Weekday mornings are the quietest period for the indoor galleries.