The History of Cascade

March 01, 2019 – December 01, 2019 The documentary exhibition, The History of Cascade, is part of the event series dedicated to the 10th Anniversary of the Center.  This is the first of CCA’s 2019 exhibition series, presenting the journey of the Center throughout the period of its operation.

The building that now houses the Cafesjian Center for the Arts is well known as the Cascade. The idea was originally conceived by the architect Alexander Tamanyan. His vision was later revived by the Chief Architect of Yerevan Jim Torosyan, together with architects Sargis Gurzadyan and Aslan Mkhitaryan. This group of prominent architects designed an intricate network consisting of a monumental exterior stairway, a long indoor shaft with a series of escalators, galleries, courtyards, and outdoor gardens embellished with numerous works of sculpture bearing references to Armenia’s rich history and cultural heritage. The construction that had begun in the late 1970s was left unfinished because of the earthquake of 1988 and the break-up of the Soviet Union of 1991.

 In 2002, the Cafesjian Museum Foundation, in agreement with the City of Yerevan and the Government of the Republic of Armenia, initiated the renovation of the Cascade Complex and Tamanyan Park. After 7 years of construction works, in November 2009, the Cascade Complex was reopened with its 10 new galleries and the Sculpture Garden as the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, bearing the name of its principal benefactor Gerard L. Cafesjian.

The exhibited photographs and videos present the origin and the construction of the Cascade Complex and its transformation into the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. During its 10 years of vigorous programming and dynamic operations, the Cafesjian Center for the Arts has implemented 60 exhibitions, 48 educational programs, and about 1000 musical and public programs. With an annual visitation of more than one million visitors, the Center has become one of the primary cultural destinations of the region.