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
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
Ardēan
Embracing art
"Ardēan": a center for art, architecture and design that has its gallery shop on Abovyan street in Yerevan. I like how they combine technology & tradition.
by
Arpi
Ohanyan
Mermaids of the Underground
Or Soviet nudity
The "Mermaids of the Underground" in Yerevan is a sculpture from 1981. The mermaids wear nothing but their hair, which was quite unusual for its time...
by
Vahagn
Vardumyan
Shengavit
A 6000-year-old town in Yerevan!
"Shengavit" is an impressive 6000-year-old settlement which is preserved even better than Yerevan's old town! It was an accidental discovery in the 1930s.
by
Vahagn
Vardumyan
Cross-stone Makers
Talking stones
The "Cross-stone Makers" in Yerevan follow a tradition that goes back to 879 AD. The masters' metal tools on the stone create a meditative sound for me...
by
Arpi
Ohanyan
Komitas Museum
Music in the air
The "Komitas Museum" in Yerevan is one of my favorite ones in the city. It gets me thinking about what Armenian music really is about...
by
Arpi
Ohanyan
Heading to Yerevan?
142 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 142 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Cinema
Our team loves Yerevan
Get to know our other Spotters from Yerevan
As featured on:
