History

Origins: The Barrels

The history of HayArt is deeply intertwined with the architectural legacy of Yerevan. Constructed in the 1980s, the “Barrels” (as locals call the cylindrical structures) were originally intended to be an extension of the Modern Art Museum founded by Henrik Igityan.

The “Third Floor” Movement

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, during the turbulent years of independence, this space became the sanctuary for the “Third Floor” movement. This was a legendary group of avant-garde artists who broke away from Soviet realism to experiment with new forms of expression, performance, and abstract art.

Establishment

In 1997, the Yerevan Municipality officially established the “HayArt” Cultural Center as an independent institution, preserving the spirit of freedom and experimentation that was born within these concrete walls.