This abandoned culture palace hides a nice mosaic

Discover the remnants of Gyumri's cultural heritage by visiting this abandoned Palace of Culture, featuring the iconic mosaic Dance of Sassoon by Ferdinand Manukyan. Despite the building's decay, this artistic gem endures, capturing the essence of a bygone era.

The building of the Palace of Culture of Leninakan Railwaymen, later renamed the Palace of Culture of Sevyan, was constructed in 1926 and began operation in 1929. This architectural marvel, with its giant mosaic and intricate interior decoration, was once a prominent landmark in Leninakan, now known as Gyumri.

A historical photo of the Palace of Culture of Leninakan Railwaymen, later renamed the Palace of Culture of Sevyan

Following the 1988 earthquake, the building continued to function for two more years until a fire left it in ruins.

Today, only the mosaic "Dance of Sassoon" by the distinguished and popular artist Ferdinand Manukyan, created between 1973 and 1975, has remained almost unharmed from the once gigantic building. Manukyan was the main artist of Gyumri from 1968 to 1972.