Local Studios and the City’s Canvas in Plain Sight.

In Gyumri, art doesn’t wait for gallery hours. It peeks at you from peeling alley walls, surprises you on stairwells, and hums quietly behind studio doors you might otherwise walk past. The city is full of artists—and the streets, full of their footprints.

This isn’t art for tourists. It’s art for anyone who knows how to look.

Street Art: The City’s Quiet Rebellion

You’ll spot it where you’re not looking. A rust-red stencil of a girl on a cracked cement wall. A rainbow-colored corner in a grey apartment block. A black-and-white face—maybe a poet, maybe a stranger—fading under the sun. Gyumri’s street art scene isn’t loud or commercial. It’s subtle. Sentimental. Sometimes political. Always poetic.

Some pieces come from organized festivals or projects. Others just appear. Artists rarely sign their names. The city becomes the signature.

Rustaveli Street: The Heartbeat of Street Art

Begin your exploration on Rustaveli Street, the epicenter of Gyumri's street art scene. As you stroll from one end to the other, you'll encounter a tapestry of murals that narrate stories of the city's soul. Notably, right next to the musical college, a striking mural of jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan pays homage to one of Gyumri's most celebrated artists. These artworks, curated by local talents, transform the street into an open-air gallery.

Don't hesitate to venture into the "hayat"-s—traditional shared courtyards—along the way. These spaces often harbor hidden artworks and offer a glimpse into the communal life that defines Gyumri.

🎨 Learn more about artists: Gyumri Street Art on Facebook

Ani District: Bottle Cap Masterpieces

In the Ani district, affectionately known as "58" by locals, art takes a sustainable twist. Here, buildings are adorned with intricate mosaics crafted entirely from recycled bottle caps. This innovative approach not only beautifies the neighborhood but also promotes environmental consciousness. The initiative, led by the Gyumrik Art Studio, has transformed the district into a vibrant testament to creativity and sustainability.

🎨 Learn more about artists: Gyumrik Art Studio on Facebook

Studios: Nurturing Creativity

Gyumri's artistic spirit is further embodied in its array of studios, each fostering creativity in unique ways:

• Gyumrik Art Studio: Situated on Rustaveli Street, this studio doubles as a gift shop, offering handcrafted items and insights into the city's artistic endeavors.
• Varem-Marem Studio: Found opposite Central Park, this studio offers a diverse range of artistic experiences, from exhibitions to interactive sessions.
• Balu Ceramic Studio: Located adjacent to Gyumrik, Balu specializes in pottery, providing both exhibitions and hands-on workshops for enthusiasts.
• B612 Art Studio: Also on Rustaveli Street, B612 serves as a dynamic space for artists to showcase their work and engage with the community.

More Places Where Art Lives

Naro Dolls is a family-owned workshop where visitors can immerse themselves in the traditional art of Armenian doll-making. Under the guidance of Narine, a self-taught professional doll maker, guests have the opportunity to paint and customize their own dolls, learning about traditional Armenian dress and miniature painting techniques.

Cobweb Art Gallery and Museum showcases artworks using real cobwebs exploring themes of life, human relations, and the universe, offering a thought-provoking experience for all who visit.

Shivorot-Navyvorot (Upside Down Museum) offers a whimsical experience where everything is turned upside down. This unique attraction features rooms and furnishings installed on ceilings, creating an illusionary world that defies gravity.

Museum of Illusions is Armenia's first of its kind, blending education and entertainment in an "edutainment" format. The museum features over 60 exhibits based on physics, mathematics, and psychology, offering visitors a chance to explore the fascinating world of optical illusions and sensory experiences.