THEATRES
State index: 1.6.178.1.1
Architects: Gevorg Kochar, Karo Halabyan, Mikael Mazmanyan
The theater building is located at Abovyan Street 7, situated between
Abovyan-Tumanyan and Old Yerevantsi Streets. Constructed between 1930 and 1931
as the Builders Club, it is recognized as one of the earliest examples of
constructivist architecture in Yerevan. Positioned on the red line of the
street, the structure features a rectangular plan measuring 109.9 x 10.2
meters, extending from southeast to northwest with an inner courtyard. The
complex comprises two buildings: the first hosted group classes and
exhibitions, while the second housed the Physical Culture and Sports Committee
of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR).
The inaugural performance in the theater occurred in January 1933,
featuring the opera “Almast” by Alexander Spendiaryan. In 1937, the building
was allocated to the Russian Drama Theater, with its opening performance of “Face
to Face” by the Tur brothers and Sheinin taking place on November 15 of the
same year. In 1938, the theater was named after Stanislavsky, with its primary
mission being to present Russian classical literature to the audience. Levon
Kalantar, the founder and first artistic director, played a pivotal role in its
early years.
During the 1960s, the building underwent significant reconstruction. While the layout, architectural solutions, and stylistic unity of the buildings were preserved and strengthened, the original appearance of the facades was altered: the gray plastered walls were faced with light ocher-colored felsite, and the lower rows were lined with basalt tiles. Further modifications were made in the 1990s, followed by a renovation in 2000.
Additionally, an annex building, the “Dragon Garden” restaurant, was
added to the southwest side of the complex.
“Scientific Research Center of Historical and Cultural of Heritage” SNCO
Yerevan Municipality
