HISTORICAL BUILDINGS

1953

Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall is one of the architectural pearls of Yerevan. It opened its doors on May 17, 1953 under the name “The Great Hall of the Armenian Philharmonic”. Since 1979, by the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Armenian SSR, it has been named after the outstanding Armenian composer, conductor, and pedagogue Aram Khachaturian.

The famous Armenian architect Alexander Tamanyan originally designed the building in the form of winter and summer halls, with two amphitheaters, which would be divided by their stages. On special occasions, these two stages and halls were to be combined, forming a hall for 3,000 spectators (currently, part of the building designed by Tamanyan is occupied by the National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet, the other part by the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall).

The design and model of the building were created in 1937 and presented at the Paris World Exhibition and were awarded the main prize (Gold Medal). Unfortunately, technical problems and existing conditions, as well as Tamanyan's unexpected death in 1936, prevented the full implementation of the project.

In 1981-1983, the building was completely rebuilt and renovated. Later, the subordinate structures and dressing rooms were renovated with Armenian marble and wood. The concert hall was reorganized with new seats, the old lampshades were replaced, and the stage was equipped with modern stage technology.

Today, the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall is designed for 1276 spectators. Like other notable structures, the original appearance of the building has undergone significant changes. The unique floor of the lobby, designed as an ornament to the concert hall, was originally conceived as a two-layer glass composition. One layer was to serve as the floor of the concert hall and was to be designed in the manner of an Armenian carpet. The other was to be the ceiling of the café below and be covered with special glass. Lampshades illuminating the café area were to be installed between the two layers. Due to the lack of appropriate technical means, the project was not implemented. In front of the concert hall is a statue of Aram Khachaturian (author: Yuri Petrosyan), which was installed on June 6, 1999, on the composer's birthday. The sculpture complements the impressive view of the French Square.