On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of architect Gurgen Musheghyan, Newmag released Karen Balyan’s new book - “Hrazdan Stadium” (trailer)

Officially opened on May 19, 1971, the stadium, nestled on the scenic slope of the Hrazdan River, was designed to hold 70,000 spectators. It quickly became more than just a sports facility; it emerged as a symbol of Armenian pride. Football legend Eduard Markarov once said:

“Europe doesn’t have one like Hrazdan. There are better and worse stadiums, but none quite like this. It’s an original stadium. And first of all, it’s the architecture. Can you step onto that field and not burn with the passion to win?”

Hrazdan was a technical innovation as well: it was the first in the country to use underground field irrigation, which also served for drainage, and it featured clearly zoned functional areas. Its authors Gurgen Musheghyan, Koryun Hakobyan, and Eduard Tosunyan created a structure with asymmetrical, double-tiered stands that embraced the natural terrain. Gurgen Musheghyan once reflected: 

“If there were no Ararat [football team], there would be no Hrazdan Stadium. If there were no Hrazdan Stadium, there would be no Ararat.”  

Despite its historical and architectural importance, Hrazdan is no longer used for its original purpose, and demolition plans have raised serious concerns.

Balyan’s book is an essential contribution to the preservation of Armenian architectural history. It examines the reasons behind the stadium’s exclusion from Armenia’s list of immovable cultural monuments and raises pressing questions about its neglect and potential demolition.

The book was translated from Russian into Armenian by Anush Muradyan and was published with the support of Gurgen Musheghyan’s family. It also includes a supplementary booklet titled “About Hrazdan Stadium”, which compiles the architect’s own articles and interviews.

Araksya Musheghyan, the architect’s daughter, composer and music producer, emphasized that Hrazdan held deep personal meaning for her father. 

“This stadium is a postmodern architectural landmark that has garnered international interest since its creation. It’s been mentioned in leading architectural publications worldwide. Given all of this, Hrazdan should not be in the state it is now. I hope the book reignites interest and leads to its revival, not just as a historical memory, but as a functioning venue. It’s also a valuable resource for young architects to understand the legacy and work ethic of past masters.”

Karen Balyan, a renowned theorist and historian of Soviet-Armenian modernism, is the author of more than 100 publications. His previous book, “Phoenix Darbinyan”, was published by Newmag in 2020.

The presentation of “Hrazdan Stadium” will take place on April 15 at 19:00 at Common Ground Books & Spirits. Speakers include author Karen Balyan, Araksya Musheghyan, Honored Architect of the Armenian SSR Sashur Kalashyan, Director of the “Haynakhagits” Institute Grigor Azizyan, and legendary football player Eduard Markarov. The event will be moderated by journalist Mark Grigoryan. Distinguished architects, athletes, and public figures are expected to attend.