(Art Lover’s Guide to Yerevan)

Love art and traveling? Desire for new inspiration? Want to have a rest and at the same time, get familiarized with new places of traditions and art values? Then Yerevan is a great choice for you.

The art plays an important role in shaping the identity of this city and its people. Yerevan is a traditional capital, where you’ll find pieces of art even in the streets. If you are an art lover and you have already made that great decision to explore the art in Yerevan, then you are in the right place.



There is no need to worry about things to do in Yerevan as an art lover. Go ahead and familiarize with the art lover’s guide to Yerevan. Let’s discover the best places to visit in Yerevan if you are eager to find out new inspiration.

Top Art Places #1 National Gallery of Armenia

The National Gallery of Armenia is the most essential place you should visit as an art lover. Here you’ll find not only Armenian national pieces of art but also foreign and unknown collections. These collections include paintings, drawings, sculptures, engraving, decorative art, and even more. The Gallery was founded in 1921 by a decision of the Soviet Armenian Government. It is located at the heart of Armenia - in the Republic Square.

Top Art Places #2 Dalan Art Gallery

The Dalan Art Gallery which was founded in 2011 represents the Post-Soviet and Independence period in Armenia. The collection is based on 26 contemporary artists’ works. This is an art gallery, souvenir and silver shop, restaurant, open-air cafe, and tea house.

The place is called Dalan cause the souvenir shop is under an arch of a building. These arches curved through the buildings are called dalan in Armenian. The Dalan shop produces the works of native artists. Here you may find unique handmade artworks which will attract you with their deepness.

Top Art Places #3 Mirzoyan Library

The Mirzoyan library is the first photobook-library in the region - a lovely place providing a real Armenian artistic atmosphere. This is a photography library, gallery, and cafe, all in one situated in Mher Mkrtchyan Street.

If you are fond of photography, you should visit this place. Beyond doubt, you’ll have an authentic experience. You may find photo books, delicious teas, strong coffee, sunny terrace, evening wine, and deal with art people in this unique art corner.

The Mirzoyan library is a wonderful place for reading and working. It is calm, cozy, and a to-be place.

Top Art Places #4 Nur Art Gallery

Nur Art Gallery is a cultural place where you may find exclusive artworks, paintings, sculptures, and jewelry by Nur. Nur (Arman Nur) is the pseudonym used by the artist called Arman. He is a designer, sculptor, painter, and jeweler.

The gallery is unique. His jewelry collection includes rings, necklaces, crosses, earrings, brooches, and whatever else you can imagine. The jewelry collection is exclusive and made one of a kind. So, if you want to have something unique, you may choose a special item from Nur’s collection. Surely, nobody else will have it.

Top Art Places #5 Vernissage

Vernissage is a large open-air market in Yerevan. Here you may find traditional Armenian souvenirs, jewelry, paintings, clothes, rugs, and national handmade artworks.

The market lies along Aram and Buzand streets at a length of 350 meters. It connects the Hanrapetutyun street with the Khanjyan street. On the weekends the market functions as an open-air exhibition. These days are more active, and there are presented a wider scope of traditional artworks.

Top Art Places #6 Saryan Park

The territory where Saryan park is located now was once Vernissage. Perhaps the place is destined to signify art.

The park was named after a well-known Armenian painter Martiros Saryan. Maybe this is the reason why the park has become an open-air exhibition of paintings. The statue of the artist is located at the center of the park. The modern artists present and sell their works in the park, especially on weekends.



Top Art Places #7 Van Gogh Art Cafe

The Van Gogh Art Cafe is a cozy place in Van Gogh’s style. It is situated in Tumanyan street. During the day, this is a restaurant with a varied menu. In the evening you can enjoy drinks, beer, and cocktails. This cafe is a perfect party place. Here you may enjoy your time no matter you are alone or with a large company.

The cafe presents good music and live performances. From time to time art exhibitions may happen there. If you are a Van Gogh lover, then this is a perfect place to have a cup of coffee or taste any kind of dish.

Conclusion

If I continue the list, you’ll never stop reading it cause the art places are everywhere in Yerevan. You may feel the art even just walking in the streets.

There are many paintings on the walls and ornaments in the buildings. You may see the portraits of well-known Armenians, beautiful paintings, and motivational quotes. So, you are welcome to feel the art atmosphere in Yerevan!

Published September 04, 2019

Article by Vera Mirzoyan