California Legislature allots $1 mln to build Armenian American Museum

June 17, 2016 By administrator

genocide memorial The California State Legislature on Wednesday, June 15 passed the 2016 – 2017 fiscal year Budget which included $1 million to build the Armenian American Museum in Glendale and $500,000 to support the Lark Musical Society, Asbarez reports.

“I am proud to have secured $1 million for the construction of the Armenian Museum,” stated Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian. “The Armenian journey to California—from genocide to prosperity—is a critical thread in the fabric of our State. An Armenian museum recognizing our past would be an excellent addition to our State’s wealth of cultural and historical centers.”

The mission of the Armenian American Museum is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. The Museum will be a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice, Asbarez says.

The museum is patterned after Los Angeles County museums that combine the lessons and experiences of a specific group of residents with the vision of preventing discrimination and improving collaboration between all citizens of the County.

The LARK Musical Society is a collective of Armenian musicians with a passion for great classical and folk music. Musicianship is the cornerstone of LARK’s activities, however the last twenty years the Society has expanded to become a hub for artists practicing in all mediums.

Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens Hosts “Armenia: The spirit of Ararat” Exhibition

April 14, 2016 By administrator

Some of the artifacts on display in the exhibit (CNN screenshot)

ATHENS (ArmRadio)—The history of Armenia is closely connected with Byzantium and Greece, through common course and tragic events. The Athens-based Byzantine and Christian Museum, hosts the exhibition “Armenia: The spirit of Ararat, from the Bronze Age to the 20th century,” organized in collaboration with the History Museum of Armenia and the Embassy of Armenia in Greece.

Director of the Byzantine and Christian Museum Mrs. Katerina Delaporta told CNN Greece that “the exhibition includes 104 items, starting from prehistoric times, findings that emerged from excavations of the Hellenistic and Roman period to digital material from the modern history of Armenia, presenting the destruction of monuments and the Armenian Genocide.”

It is the first time that archaeological treasures of Armenia are on display in Greece. Visitors will certainly find the historic link between the two countries.

Armenians made their presence felt both in Europe and the Middle and Far East and India and China. This geographic expansion of their commercial networks, particularly to the east, influenced their cultural preferences, which are visible on objects in the collection.

The exhibition will remain open until May 31.

UNITED STATES The project of the future Armenian-American Museum in Glendale (California) to a new location in the central city park

February 25, 2016 By administrator

arton122585-480x310 The project of construction of the future Museum of Armenian-American Glendale -town located in the suburbs of Los Angeles (California) and that has a very high population arménienne- proposed to change the initial location of the museum. According to Glendale News Press, the Committee of the project Armenian-American Museum now offers the construction of the museum in the Central Park of Glendale. The Committee has been working for over a year with the Organizing Committee for the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. Initially the construction project on an area of 5 hectares was to be held near the intersection of Verdugo Road and Mountain Street in Glendale. The mayor of Armenian origin Ara Nadjarian said for his part that “the idea of the Armenian-American Museum is great. We all seek a suitable place for this museum. “ He also said that the will of the City Council is not to divide communities and that such a project would contribute to strengthening them. Note that almost 40% of the 200 000 inhabitants of Fresno are Armenians.

Krikor Amirzayan

Armenian American Museum Partners to Present ‘Armenia: An Open Wound’

February 23, 2016 By administrator

GLENDALE — The City of Glendale and the Library, Arts & Culture Department are pleased to announce their partnership with the Armenian American Museum to present the exhibition “Armenia: An Open Wound.” The exhibit will be on view at the Brand Library Art Galleries between April 9 and June 11, 2016 during the library’s regular hours: Tuesday and Thursday 12-8 p.m., Wednesday 12-6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5p.m. A series of weekly programs will accompany the exhibition. Brand Library & Art Center is located at 1601 West Mountain Street, Glendale, California, 91201.

“Armenia: An Open Wound” debuted in Mexico City at the Museo Memoria Y Tolerancia [Museum of Memory and Tolerance] in April 2015 in honor of the Armenian Genocide centenary. The exhibition explores the intricate history of the Armenian people and creates an interactive experience by illustrating early Armenian culture; it shares the story of Armenian livelihoods on their ancestral lands, and prepares viewers to gain a deeper insight into the events which lead to the 1915 Armenian Genocide.

“[The exhibition] seeks to raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide by inspiring reflection, respect for ethnic and cultural diversity, and upholding human dignity” stated Museo Memoria Y Tolerancia temporary exhibitions director Linda Atach Zaga. “The Armenian Cause is rooted in the universal theme of preserving memory as the first step in mobilizing toward global human rights and this exhibition is uniquely designed to encourage critical reasoning among diverse audiences as they relate the Armenian context to broader social justice themes.”

The mission of the Museo Memoria Y Tolerancia is to preserve, teach, and promote within Mexican society the history and meaning of genocides and crimes against humanity, as well as the importance of diversity and tolerance.

Designed on the basis of a detailed, didactic route, “Armenia: An Open Wound,” sheds light on both the historical and current ramifications of the 1915 Armenian Genocide through survivor testimony, modern-day pursuits for justice, and aims to empower visitors to take responsibility on behalf of all those who have been, and continue to be affected by genocide. In addition to honoring victims and commemorating the Armenian Genocide, this exhibition presents the unique contributions of Armenian Genocide survivors who settled in Mexico during the early 20th century, and the international Armenian diaspora community which have collectively grown to embody the concept of global citizenship.

“It is our honor to announce our partnership with the Museo Memoria Y Tolerancia and we equally commend the City of Glendale Library, Arts & Culture Department for their commitment to engaging diverse collaborative opportunities” stated Armenian American Museum executive development committee chairman Berdj Karapetian. “Armenia: An Open Wound tells the story of Armenians through a multicultural approach, and exemplifies the eclectic programs and exhibitions the Armenian American Museum aspires to bring to the City of Glendale and the broader Los Angeles community.”

The mission of the Armenian American Museum is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience.

City of Glendale Library Arts, & Culture director Cindy Cleary shared her enthusiasm about the opportunity to partner with the Armenian American Museum by noting, “this exhibition supports the Library’s mission to offer our community a diversity of ideas that will inspire curiosity and enrich our daily lives.” Cleary further expressed that she “hopes all members of the public will share in this unique experience that celebrates the history and the resilience of the Armenian people and commemorates the horrific consequences of the Genocide.”

A robust slate of programs that will complement “Armenia: An Open Wound” is being planned by the Brand Library & Art Center and the Armenian American Museum in collaboration with local and regional community partners. The educational experience of visitors will be enhanced by lectures, discussion panels, musical performances and more. All events at Brand Library & Art Center are free and open to the public.

For more information please visit ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org or call (844) 586-4626

SAUDI ARABIA This is an Armenian architect who built the Museum of Islamic faith in Mecca

January 24, 2016 By administrator

French Armenia architect Michel Mossessian

This is Mossessian Architecture, designed by the French architect Michel Mossessian of Armenian origin, based in London, which won the competition to design the Makkah Museum, a new building dedicated to the Islamic faith, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The Mecca Museum will be built at a remote site seven kilometers from the Grand Mosque which is the Kaaba, the most sacred place in the Muslim world.

The construction will include a gallery space of 5600 square meters which will host exhibitions on international practice of Islam and the life of Muhammad.

It will also include a reception hall, an auditorium, a library, teaching space, a rooftop garden and a restaurant.

“The Makkah Museum will offer a presentation and a reflection of the faith million Muslims who visit Makkah from around the world, and until now, had no cultural institution in this way to diversify their visit to the holiest of Muslim cities, “reads a declaration issued Mossessian.

Mossessian teamed with Adeline Rispal exhibition architecture studio to engage in competition for the museum project. The duo was declared as the winner this week.

Rispal has designed an empty space at the center structure to represent a “virtual minaret”, where visitors will rise by browsing through the exhibits.

Mossessian Architecture has achieved this by designing a ramp continues to rise in this space t, with a parallel spiral back down, “said the firm.

“Both Circular (as the celestial sphere) and rising (as in a spiritual journey), the central space contained a minaret called the Muslim community to transcend the earthly values through their faith and continuing the quest for recognition infinity “.

Exhibitions and film screenings will be presented on both sides of the ramp during the ascent into space.

At the top, visitors will have access to an air-conditioned garden, designed to be usable even in extreme heat summers of Saudi Arabia.

The lower spiral staircase to descend bear the inscription of the 99 names of Allah, the names of God in Islam, which will be visible from a gallery space on the ground floor.

The outer wall of the museum include a stone after each country of the world where Islam is common practice. The rock Hejaz mountains near Mecca will be used for the interior.

“Inside, the rock is used to create alcoves and baseboards that visitors will cross during their ascent of the ramp,” said the architect. “This is where the presentations will be received, which tell the story of the Prophet’s life and enrich the understanding of Islam.”

Based in Hoxton, east London, Mossessian Architecture was created in 2005 by architect Michel Mossessian. The firm is working on many projects currently in the Middle East and Africa, including the renovation of Place Lalla Yeddouna at the center of the historic Medina of Fez, Morocco.

Among the projects of the company in the UK are the multi-purpose towers London Paddington Basin and offices in King’s Cross.

Mecca is the holiest city of Islam, where the Prophet Muhammad was born. Non-Muslims are banned from the city. The central mosque is home to the annual hajj pilgrimage solid.

Some guardians of the heritage expressed concerns about the development of the city in recent years, due to the indiscriminate destruction of historic buildings, to build shelters for the millions of pilgrims who visit Mecca .

Royal Clock Tower Makkah in Mecca was the height the second tower in the world until the completion this month Gensler tower in Shanghai.

The nearest airport is located in Mecca in Jeddah, the second largest city in the country, including a terminal is reserved for the hajj. The London architecture firm Foster + Partners designs for 8 billion pounds in Jeddah a transport system with metro terminal, ferry, bus and cycles.

Jeddah also plans to host the tallest building in the world, the Kingdom Tower currently under construction expected to reach 1000 meters.

London architect to build Islamic faith museum in Mecca

Translation Gilbert Béguian

Armenian American Museum organizers discuss plans with GCC officials

January 22, 2016 By administrator

The group behind the proposed Armenian American Museum met with Glendale Community College officials Tuesday to discuss their plans. The cultural center would be built across the street from the college. (Courtesy of the Armenian American Museum)

By Kelly Corrigan

Organizers who are working to establish a proposed Armenian American Museum that would be located across the street from Glendale Community College spoke to the college’s trustees this week to promote the museum as both a community resource and neighbor to the campus.

The museum would be housed on the corner of Mountain Street and Verdugo Road next to the Glendale Civic Auditorium on a 1.37-acre site currently used as a parking lot.

College officials in recent weeks have met behind closed doors to discuss potentially purchasing the nearby civic auditorium from the city, and on Tuesday, organizers said they are aware of those talks and do not oppose them.

“We think the college and the museum can co-exist in harmony and actually support each other,” said Zaven Kazazian, a member of the museum’s executive committee. “We are not opposed to what the college is doing, and I hope the college is not opposed to what we are doing. We are very much in a process of working with the college. We are planning on making sure of the fact that no matter what happens, that the college will be supporting the museum, and we are going to be supporting the college.”

Some college trustees said they appreciated Kazazian and fellow museum organizers attending the meeting, but did not elaborate on the college’s plans for the auditorium.

Vahe Peroomian, a college trustee, wished the organizers “good luck going forward,” while fellow trustee Ann Ransford said, “Ditto.”

In December, the trustees voted to approve a facilities master plan, which hints at a friendly collaboration between the college and the museum as both parties’ plans unfold.

The master plan indicated that the college’s music program and child development center may be housed in the Glendale Civic Auditorium.

“The development of this site would be planned in coordination with the future Armenian community cultural center should plans for that facility be realized,” the document stated.

Source: Glendale News-Press

Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com

Armenian architect to build Islamic faith museum in Mecca

January 18, 2016 By administrator

Islamic faith museum in Mecca

London-based Mossessian Architecture, which is founded by renowned French Armenian architect Michel Mossessian, has won a competition to design the Makkah Museum, a new building dedicated to the Islamic faith in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, according to Dezeen architecture and design magazine.

Muslims around the world await the construction of this museum.

The Makkah Museum will occupy a site 7 kilometers from the Grand Mosque of Mecca, and symbolize the birth of Islam.

The building will include 5,600 square meters of gallery space for 3D exhibitions, and also contain a virtual mosque, reception area, an auditorium, book store, teaching space, roof garden, and restaurant.

The outside wall of the museum will incorporate stone sourced from every country in the world where Islam is currently practiced.

Armenian American Museum Launches Community Forum Series

January 4, 2016 By administrator

The Armenian-American Museum

GLENDALE —The Armenian American Museum has released dates for upcoming community forums which will feature presentations on the Armenian American Museum, provide an update on the progress of the project, and offer opportunities for community members to engage in a Q&A session and provide feedback.

The events will include private presentations to Glendale-based service organizations in addition to public forums. Residents are encouraged to attend the following meetings:

Sunday, January 10, 2016 | 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church’s Raymond and Ani Kouyoumjian Hall
1510 East Mountain Street, Glendale, CA 91207

Monday, January 11, 2016 | 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Bethany Bible Presbyterian Church
3229 North Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA 91208

Sunday, January 17, 2016 | 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church’s Raymond and Ani Kouyoumjian Hall
1510 East Mountain Street, Glendale, CA 91207

“We look forward to sharing the vision of the Armenian American Museum and engaging in an active dialogue with our community members” stated Outreach Director, Tigranna Zakaryan. “Our approach is to engage the community through diverse outreach initiatives extended toward service-oriented organizations, faith-based groups, neighboring homeowner groups and residents, and City institutions.”

The Armenian American Museum’s community forum series follows its recent unveiling of the Museum concept design to the Glendale City Council in December 2015. Although the proposal establishing an Armenian American Museum in Glendale has been met with positive and constructive support, a number of residents from the neighborhoods next to the proposed site have expressed objections to building the Museum at the proposed site.

For more information about the community forum series, please visit www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org/events/.

Residents interested in hosting a presentation may further inquire by calling (844) 586-4626 or emailing Info@ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org.

The Armenian American Museum is a developing project in Glendale, CA, with a mission to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. When completed, it will serve as a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice.

The governing board of the Armenian American Museum consists of representatives from the following nine regional Armenian American institutions and organizations: Armenian Catholic Eparchy, Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, Armenian General Benevolent Union – Western District, Armenian Relief Society – Western USA, Nor Or Charitable Foundation, Nor Serount Cultural Association, Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

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Armenian American Museum Design Unveiled

December 10, 2015 By administrator

GLENDALE—The Armenian American Museum unveiled its conceptual design at the Glendale City Council meeting on Tuesday. The Project Development Committee presented the developments of the first phase of the master planning process and shared concept design for the new museum.

“The concept for the museum is rooted in creating a place of inspiration and hope for the community” stated the Museum Project Development Committee Chairman Berdj Karapetian. “We have submitted all of the requirements to the City of Glendale in our exclusive negotiating agreement and are now ready to proceed to securing the ground lease agreement, further developing our master plan, and organizing fundraising initiatives that will enable us to bring this project into fruition.”

The Armenian American Museum concept designed by Alajajian Marcoosi Architects will include exhibitions space, resource center, a performing arts theater, and classrooms. The museum building will be surrounded by an outdoor plaza and peace garden on the City owned property next to the Glendale Civic Auditorium. The 1.7 acre property on the corner of Verdugo Road and Mountain Street will also serve as the location for a memorial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

The Museum’s vision is a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity while speaking out against prejudice.

Glendale City Mayor Ara Najarian applauded the work of the museum team following the design presentation by stating, “Just one year ago this was a dream for our community and I feel very excited to see things come to this level. I know there will be some milestones ahead but I have no doubt that you will work diligently to create a wonderful design plan that will put Glendale on the map nationwide.”

Councilwoman Paula Devine relayed her support by highlighting the cross-cultural and education component of the museum and invited selected architects Aram Alajajian and Sako Marcoosi to share their inspiration for the design.

“The inspiration lays within the museum itself to serve the Glendale community at large and create a place for visitors to learn about Armenian culture through the permanent exhibit while also hosting diverse traveling exhibits.”

Councilmen Vartan Gharpetian and Zareh Sinanyan further noted the multi-functionality of the museum by echoing the education opportunities it will bring to the community and the significance of building it adjacent to the Glendale Community College campus.

The overarching support of the Glendale City Council was emphasized by Councilwoman Laura Freidman in stating, “You have a very supportive Council and a great sense of passion from the community to make this happen. I am happy to learn that you have hired a local entity to bring this bold vision to Glendale.”

The next stage for the Museum project will be to secure a Ground Lease Agreement with the City of Glendale and commission a master plan that will provide operational direction on programming, business strategy, facility development, and governance.

The Museum will launch a wide-range of outreach programs in the coming months with City of Glendale government, businesses, homeowner associations, and community members to ensure collaboration, feedback, and community-driven opportunities to raise awareness about Armenian American Museum.

The mission of the Armenian American Museum is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experiences.

Click for more information.

Yerevan: Space Museum opens in Armenia’s capital

November 28, 2015 By administrator

A Space Museum opened Saturday, November 28, at a newly-established technopark in Nor Nork district of Yerevan.

The museum features exclusive samples of early space research, created by Armenian specialists, including a genuine landing capsule and other devices that have travelled to space, a replica of Orion-2 space observatory that has been showcased at EXPO 2000 in Hannover.

Also displayed at the museum are early space research and space flight-related documents, handwritten papers belonging to Soviet cosmonauts who have passed pre-flight training in Armenia, designers of Vostok, Soyuz spacecraft, as well as to NASA astronauts and designers of American spacecraft.

A valuable document exhibited at the museum is a handwritten draft article co-authored by academician Grigor Gurzadyan and Nobel laureate Hans Bethe, a German-American physicist who has played a key role in the creation of first nuclear bombs.

Related links:

Space Museum website