AD Classics: Armenian Opera Theater / Alexander Tamanian

AD Classics: Armenian Opera Theater / Alexander Tamanian
Saturday, September 10, 2011 6:23 PM PDT

By John Rizor

Photo by Socialism Expo –

Opened in 1933 and completed in its current state in 1953, the
Armenian Opera Theater was designed by Armenian architect Alexander
Tamanian. The theater is one of Tamanian’s most profilic
architectural works, which include a plethora of Armenian
architectural icons such as his hydroelectric station (1926), Republic
Square (1926-1941) and many others.

The Opera Theater is located in Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan and
functions as the primary performance hall in the city, containing the
Aram Khatchaturian concert hall, the National Theatre of Opera and the
Alexander Spendiarian ballet. Sited adjacent to Tamanian’s Republic
Square and Cascade Stairwell, this magnificent structure is centrally
located within Yerevan proper and one of the most visible structures
in the country.

© MontyofArabia / Wikimedia Commons

Since its opening in 1933, the 1,260 person theater complex has acted
as host to over 200 international operas and has gained international
recognition for its superior acoustic qualities. Each of its
constituent parts were designed by Tamanian as self-sufficient
ampitheaters and its stone construction and acoustic-generated form
dampens unnecessary noise reflection, resulting in superior sound
transmission. The theater was awarded a gold medal at the
International Exhibition inParis in 1936.

Architect: Alexander Tamanian
Location:Yerevan, Armenia
Project Year:1930-1953
Photographs:Wikimedia Commons-MontyofArabia, bouarf, Rita Willaert,
ToksaveFlickr- Socialism Expo