The Vernissage
Looking for a great number of souvenirs from Armenia? The Vernissage
open-air market is a place where you can purchase everything from oil paintings to showerheads. Originally the market was a place where local artists could show their work to public. The word Vernissage is borrowed from French and means a private display held before the opening of an art
exhibition. When crowd gathered to view the paintings, local merchants found an opportunity to sell their own wares thus making the outdoor space a ”super market” selling a wide variety of items. Although the market operates throughout the week, the main action is at the weekends. The market starts by the Republic Square metro station and runs all the way to Khanjyan Street showcasing venders of everyday items (plumbing supplies, remote controls, both new and used tools), artwork, embroidered rugs, jewelry, carpets, backgammons, chess, musical instruments, etc. The locals go to Vernissage to pick up some household items or look through the huge collection of books. What refers to tourists, they purchase souvenirs and gifts. Actually, it is typical to bargain at the Vernissage. Many of the sellers speak both English and Russian.
Saryan Park
Saryan Park is located in front of the Opera House. It is named after Martiros Saryan who was one of the greatest artists of the 20th century- a prominent master of color. Saryan’s paintings, created with bright saturated colors, reveal new artistic sensibility, giving the chance to understand, that art is not just imitation of reality. The park boasts a number of paintings drawn by modern artists exhibited and sold on the spot. Statue of Saryan is located in the center of the park; the author is Levon Tokmajyan, the architect is Artur Tarkhanyan. It was erected in 1986.
