Open Air Cinema Yerevan
Constructivism alive
Armenian summers tend to be long, hot and dry, with good weather starting in March and lasting until the end of October. When the sun goes down, and cooler winds sweep through the city, there's nothing better than watching movies with friends outside.
The open-air theatre behind the Moscow Cinema was controversial from the start. The Soviets, which had been involved in imposing their policy of state secularism, were looking for an excuse to destroy the 5th century Saint Paul and Peter Church. This constructivist-style open-air cinema hall would prove to be the perfect replacement.
Ironically, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, when the Armenian Church wished to reclaim the land occupied by the amphitheatre to rebuild the historic church, they were met by staunch opposition by civic-minded Yerevantsis. This dispute was remembered as a symbol of Yerevan's denizens stand against continued encroachment on public space.
The amphitheatre remains operational to this day and hosts a number of screenings during the annual Yerevan Golden Apricot International Film Festival.
Soviet ruin-porn enthusiasts can access the building throughout the year, but the best time to be there is during the summer. The open-air cinema is right down town, so it's really fun to go out for beers in one of the many nearby cafés with friends after catching a flick.
Its screening schedule changes a lot but movies are usually listed on Cinema Moscow's website.
About this spot
Find your way with 142 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Yerevan
Derian Restaurant 1
Syrian-Armenian cuisine
"Derian Restaurant 1": a Syrian-Armenian restaurant that also happens to be one of my favorites in Yerevan. Everything I've tried there's been delicious.
By
Alan
Grigorian
Mama Jan
Homey and creative food
"Mama Jan" in Yerevan is an intercultural space with food for body and soul. They also hold cultural & spiritual events. But that strawberry lassi...!
By
Sofia
Manukyan
Botanical Garden
For tree lovers
The "Botanical Garden" in Yerevan is great not only for nice longs walks in a mini-forest, but also for witnessing an impressive Soviet-era greenhouse...
By
Sofia
Manukyan
Vahakni Pool
Cool off in the hot Yerevan summer
If I had to choose a single pool in Yerevan, it would be the "Vahakni Pool" and bar, located in the private residential suburb of Vahakni...
By
Raffi
Elliott
George’s DOM
Have brunch in an indoor-garden
Central Yerevan's quickly-gentrifying Saryan street is home to a new eatery: George’s DOM. The atmosphere's really something special...
By
Raffi
Elliott
Industrial Ruins
Post-industrial ruin paradise
The industrial ruins to the south of Yerevan's downtown make a perfect playground for ''ruin porn'' photographers and soviet architecture enthusiasts...
By
Raffi
Elliott
Artists' Building
A Soviet institution
The "Artists' Building" in Yerevan is Brezhnev-era apartment tower were many artists, artisans & new occupants practice their craft to this day...
By
Raffi
Elliott
The Green Bean Cafe
Coffee and pastries
"The Green Bean Cafe" in Yerevan is a place I go to for meeting someone fast or when I need somewhere quiet to work. Great vegetarian & vegan food!
By
Arpi
Janyan
Hraparak Metro
Soviet Shdevr
It truly is a Soviet masterpiece considering its unique design and build: it is part metro station, part cavern and, once upon a time, part cafe.
By
Alan
Grigorian
Homeland Handycrafts
Armenian fair trade
"Homeland Handycrafts" in Yerevan is a social enterprise designed to revive traditional Armenian crafts while employing the most vulnerable population...
By
Raffi
Elliott
Millennial Park
Celebrating 2800 years of Yerevan
By
Raffi
Elliott
Hanrapetutyan Street
Beautiful old architecture
"Hanrapetutyan Street" in Yerevan is one of the most central in the city, yet there is so much to see here. The buildings are really beautiful and old...
By
Sofia
Manukyan
Heading to Yerevan?
142 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Yerevan this weekend?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 142 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Our team loves Yerevan
Get to know our other Spotters from Yerevan
As featured on:
