Cascade (Part 1)

The Cat (Fernando Botero 1999)

Today in the morning while I was sitting in Retro café near Cascade I thought it would be great to write a separate article about Cascade as it the most beloved place of all tourists and locals. The uniqueness of the complex is that it is loved both by young people and elders.

Apart from being the center of the city, Cascade is the heart and soul of Yerevan. Best cafes and restaurants (and most expensive as well) are located near Cascade: Retro, Studio, Paulaner, Grill House and Eden. You will hear more about these places later and now let’s move on.

Smoking Women (Fernando Botero)

As you can see in the picture the main complex Cascade is a giant stairway. I know it looks really pretty from the outside but  the most interesting part is what's inside those stairways: Cafesjian Museum of Arts. 

This is the center of Armenian modern art. The stairway from the inside is a huge place with multiple floors. On different floors you can find museums, concert hall, Arshile Gorky's gallery, Swarovski Hall, etc

The most beautiful place is the concert hall located on the top of the complex. The vitrage behind the scene opens a beautiful view of the city. Mostly Jazz, Folk music concerts are held in this hall. So if you like Jazz it will not be difficult to find a ticket for 5-15$.

Kiwi (Fernando Botero)

Cascade is also famous for its largest collection of Fernando Botero's works. I remember the time when the first sculpture of Botero was brought to Yerevan. It was The Cat. As the sculpture was very expansive and Botero's style was new for our City everyone was discussing that cat. After some time, more sculptures were added. Those included Smoking Women, Kiwi, Roman Warrior. Now Botero is one of the most famous Painters, Sculptures of Armenia. For me personally his style is very unique and interesting. Besides Botero’s works you will find a lot of other pieces of art.

Shortly, Cascade is kind of Pompidou of modern Yerevan.  All these things are situated mainly in the complex and at the bottom of it. If you have enough courage and are in good shape than you should definitely climb up the stairs. Afterwards, you will find yourself in park "Monument". You can climb the stairs by feet yourself or just use the automatic stairs which is open till 23:00. In further articles for those of you who are interested I’ll try to present you the “The Monument’ and explain why you should go there. 

Cascade Panorama