In Armenia you will find the most interesting and internationally renowned galleries and museums. The exhibitions feature local and international art works. The number of museums, galleries and exhibitions is quite large, so a person visiting Armenia for the first time, and even a local resident, can get confused. To make your holiday more enjoyable and fulfilling, we have compiled a list of must-see places in Yerevan for art lovers. So you can rent a car in Yerevan and enjoy the art of this beautiful city.
For movie lovers – Sergei Parajanov Museum
Sergei Parajanov is one of the greatest masters of cinema of the 20th century, famous not only in Armenia, but all over the world. No movie lover should miss the opportunity to visit the museum dedicated to this amazing artist. The museum features over 1,400 exhibits that give the visitor the opportunity to relive Parajanov’s life and experience his ups and downs. The props used in Parajanov’s films, such as “Sayat-Nova”, “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors” and “The Legend of Suram Fortress” are available to museum visitors. In addition to props, the museum displays other works by the master, including dolls, drawings, hats, collages and much more.
For lovers of contemporary art – Cafesjian Center for the Arts
The Cafesjian Center for the Arts is a paradise for lovers of modernism, with a huge collection of sculptures, murals, crystal and relief objects. Gerard L. Cafesjian was passionate about collecting works from various fields of contemporary art. The official opening of the center took place in 2009 and now the impressive Gafeschyan collection is available to those who wish. The museum consists of 5 levels and has over 5,000 exhibits. Even the New York Times called the center one of the most powerful and ambitious museums of our time.
For lovers of avant-garde – Yervand Kochar Museum
The sculptures of Yervand Kochar are among the most interesting works of art of the 20th century. Embracing elements of the avant-garde, Kochar has created many outstanding sculptures and paintings that deserve your attention. The master’s works were exhibited along with the works of Picasso, Chirico, Arp and many others. In the museum you can get acquainted with the creative path of the master, demonstrated with the help of his graphic works, sculptures and paintings created during his residence in Paris, Tbilisi and Yerevan.
For lovers of applied art – Museum of Armenian Folk Art
The museum presents wooden, metal products and textiles. The works of old as well as modern masters will help you feel the unique cultural and national spirit of Armenian craftsmanship. Currently, the Museum of Folk Art has more than 12,000 exhibits, and this number is constantly growing thanks to donations and new acquisitions. The museum is small but is one of the must-see places in Yerevan.
For lovers of all of the above – National Gallery of Armenia
The National Gallery of Armenia is the largest art gallery in the country. The gallery’s collection, presented in 56 rooms, includes works of art from around the world. The gallery is ideal for those who don’t have a particular artistic taste and just want to enjoy art. The museum is divided into rooms dedicated to European, Russian, Armenian and Oriental art. There are also separate rooms with collections of paintings by prominent artists such as Aivazovsky or Vardges Surenyants. The gallery’s collection is huge and includes works of art from both ancient times and the present day.