TV Premiere of the Book “Hrazdan Stadium: A Masterpiece of Soviet Modernism” (Video)

Designed by architects Gurgen Musheghyan and Koryun Hakobyan, Hrazdan is considered a landmark of Armenian modernism. The book was published with the support of Gurgen Musheghyan’s family. His daughter, pianist and composer Araksya Musheghyan, emphasized that the stadium was deeply personal for her father, it was his diploma project and one of the proudest accomplishments of his career.

“Hrazdan has always been ranked among the best stadiums. Prestigious architectural journals have written about its uniqueness. This is not a structure we can afford to lose. Hrazdan is still capable of serving a purpose today. The book will also be valuable for young architects, offering them insight into the legacy and vision of a dedicated generation,” she said.

The book includes an appendix featuring Gurgen Musheghyan’s articles, interviews, and publications about the stadium. Built during the Soviet era under considerable pressure, the project required convincing officials that a stadium of such scale was necessary for a city the size of Yerevan. Ultimately, it was built and became a source of national pride.

Professor Karen Balyan, a member of the International Academy of Architecture and an expert on modernism, described Hrazdan as a globally recognized structure within professional circles. 

“This massive complex blends into the Hrazdan Gorge so harmoniously that it continues to impress architects with its artistic and urban planning excellence.”

He also noted that many European countries still use stadiums of the same era or even older, having restored them to meet international standards. 

“Hrazdan is an Olympic-class stadium. It’s not just for football, many types of sporting events can be held here. Of course, infrastructure like the pitch, lighting, and locker rooms need updating.”

Balyan emphasized that the goal of the book goes beyond documentation, it is a call to preserve this historic structure. During the presentation, attendees symbolically signed a copy of the book “in defense and preservation of Hrazdan Stadium.”

One quote in the book especially stands out, from legendary Ararat-73 footballer Eduard Markarov:

“I’ve played in many stadiums, some better, some worse, but there’s nothing like Hrazdan. It was impossible not to win there.”