Places to Visit

The Gyumri Puppet Theater, named after Stepan Alikhanyan, is one of Armenia's oldest and most cherished cultural institutions, founded in 1935. It plays a vital role in the aesthetic education of the city's youth, preserving the finest traditions of puppetry arts.

Gyumri Theater of Reflections (or Theater of Thoughts) was founded in 2019–2020 by the initiative of Honored Artist of RA Hovhannes Hovhannisyan. It is a small, very cozy theater with a 50-seat hall located in a basement and furnished with antique furniture, perfectly matching the unique atmosphere of Gyumri. The theater presents dramatic, philosophical, humorous, and documentary performances, as well as shows for children. It regularly hosts both local premieres and guest performances. Attached to the theater is a drama studio where young people learn acting skills.

The Vardan Ajemian State Drama Theatre of Gyumri is one of the most important cultural institutions in Armenia and a key cultural symbol of the city. The theatre was founded in 1865, making it one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the country. The theatre is named after renowned director and theatre figure Vardan Ajemian, who made a significant contribution to the development of Armenian theatre. Over the years, numerous classical and contemporary performances have been staged here, shaping Gyumri’s rich theatrical traditions. The current building was constructed during the Soviet period and is notable for its monumental architectural style. Despite the devastating 1988 earthquake, the theatre continued its activity, maintaining its important role in the cultural life of the city. Today, the drama theatre remains one of the main cultural centers of Gyumri, presenting diverse performances and contributing to the city’s vibrant artistic scene.