Lovers' Park

Long before it became the leafy retreat we see today, this land began its journey in the eighteenth century as Kozern Park. It was tied closely to the old Kozern district, known for its historic cemetery and a chapel that anchored the community. Over the centuries, the space evolved alongside the city, taking on new names and identities that mirrored the changing political landscape of the region. Following the Second World War, authorities dedicated it to the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, before later renaming it to reflect the spirit of friendship among Soviet nations. The most significant transformation, however, arrived in the twenty-first century. As the city transitioned into a new era of independence, the space naturally claimed the title Lovers' Park because residents had long treated the grounds as their favourite romantic meeting spot. Recognising this deep cultural connection, the Boghossian Foundation stepped in to reimagine the area. They brought in French landscape architect Pierre Rambach to craft a new vision. He spent time travelling throughout Armenia, drawing inspiration from local scenery to ensure the new design felt authentically Armenian while incorporating the deliberate, peaceful structure of a traditional Japanese garden. Reopening in 2008, the renovated park became a triumph of inclusive urban design. The developers ensured that every corner remained accessible, eliminating steps to welcome everyone regardless of mobility. Today, it stands as a testament to how careful planning can revitalise a public space. It preserves the historic legacy of a site that has watched Yerevan grow for centuries while providing a contemporary venue for concerts, film festivals, and quiet reflection under the trees.