Originally named after Vladimir Lenin, Yerevan's main square was renamed in 1990. Designed by architect Alexander Tamanyan as the focal point of his 1924 urban plan for the city, the square's construction started in 1926 and continued until 1958, when the last of its Stalinist-style edifices was completed. The stone pattern in the centre of the square references an Armenian carpet, and the famous musical fountains are the city's most endearing attraction; these operate between sunset and 10pm in summer.
The pink tufa buildings on its northeastern, northwestern and southwestern edges were all purpose-built as government offices and remain so today. Other buildings include the Armenia Marriott Hotel on the southwestern corner and the National Gallery of Armenia/History Museum of Armenia at the northern (top) edge. Underneath the square is a large bunker constructed during the Cold War to protect high-ranking officials in the event of a nuclear attack. This is closed to the public.
