Yerevan may be the center of political power for Armenia, but Gyumri was once the cultural and artistic center. Housing the first art school started in the Caucasus, Gyumri's reputation as a sophisticated and open-minded audience ensured that all theatrical performances would premiere there. With it's many parks and unique architecture, the city attracted many people seeking a more relaxed place.
The 1988 earthquake brought that city crashing to the ground. Though aid money poured in, wide scale fraud and incompetence has made the rebuilding process frustratingly slow.
Now, the artistic community of Gyumri is reviving, with two active art schools and many of the artists staying and working in the town. The Gyumri Biennial, an international contemporary art fair, attracts artists from around the world once every two years.
Yet it is hard to find these artists: even in Yerevan, there aren't enough galleries to cover the artistic community in the capital city, let alone artists in 120-km north Gyumri. So we'll bring you to them! Enjoy our day and week-long tours to Gyumri to explore the city's redevelopment and lush surroundings.
