Armenpress: Philanthropist Levon Vartan Der Bedrosian donates private collecti

Philanthropist Levon Vartan Der Bedrosian has donated to the Republic of Armenia real estate located in the Garni community of Kotayk Province, along with his private collection, for the establishment of a carpet museum in Armenia.

On May 22, a memorandum of understanding was signed on the occasion between the philanthropist and Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, marking what officials described as an important and symbolic step towards the preservation and development of Armenia’s cultural heritage.

Addressing the philanthropist, Andreasyan said the initiative he had launched – and would continue together with the state -would create an opportunity to showcase Armenian heritage and establish an active creative environment.

“Mr Der Bedrosian had initiated the development of the necessary infrastructure and the construction of the building along the road to Garni. Having a highly valuable collection as well, he intended to establish a new museum there. He is transferring all of this to the state with the expectation that we will bring it to completion and have a functioning, high-standard museum where carpets will play a central role,” Andreasyan said.

“I believe there is a need for extensive professional work in order to find the right exhibition format and turn the museum into a representative venue, especially considering that we are speaking about the road leading to Garni. Every year, Garni hosts hundreds of thousands of tourists, who could also visit the museum,” she added, stressing that the building has already been constructed and that only minor works remain, which the state will undertake and complete.

The minister expressed hope that the opening of the building could be announced in October this year.

Levon Vartan Der Bedrosian said he had always believed in cooperation.

“Together, we can be far more interesting and creative. Armenia and the diaspora have always cooperated, but the time has come to bring those bridges closer and make them practical. I am certain there will be many challenges ahead, and we will need extensive discussions together. I am very enthusiastic that we will work together and present new achievements,” he said.

The initiative carries particular significance as it creates an opportunity to establish a new cultural centre dedicated to Armenian carpet art and culturally valuable artefacts. The centre is expected to serve not only as a museum, but also as an important educational and cultural platform hosting thematic exhibitions, masterclasses, educational programmes and other cultural events.

Carpet art is regarded as one of the distinctive and important components of Armenian culture, reflecting the history, traditions and artistic thinking of the Armenian people. The creation of the new museum is expected to contribute to the preservation, study and promotion of that rich heritage, while ensuring its transmission to future generations.

Officials described the donation as an important example of public-private cooperation and of individual responsibility towards the development of culture. They said it represents not only a major contribution to enriching Armenia’s cultural life, but also an exceptional initiative aimed at preserving national values and increasing international recognition.

The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia has expressed readiness to ensure the museum’s professional and organisational development by involving the necessary expertise, guaranteeing the proper preservation of the collections and supporting the museum’s effective operation.