ARMENIA OPEN AIR MUSEUM Public Forum presentation by

ARMENIA - OPEN AIR MUSEUM Public Forum presentation by Marine Mkrtchyan Deputy Director of Russian Art Museum Board member of ICOM/Armenia - National Committee of Armenia British Museum International Training Programme 2014

Where is Armenia located?

General information Population ~ 3, 560, 100 people In Capital City Yerevan ~ 1. 200. 000 Official language Armenian Հայերեն Religion Christian Apostolic Government Presidential Republic Nationality Armenians 97. 9%,

Brief History of Museum work History of Armenian Museums is closely connected with the history of the Middle Age’s Churches, as many museums were created and operated under its auspices.

As a special period in the history of museums’ development should be noted during Soviet years. Most of the existing museums in Armenia were created during these years.

• After the collapse of the Soviet Union several state and public museums were closed with ideological orientation. • During those years were created new museums mostly private and corporate. • The most severe years for the republic were 1992 -1996. The main objective of the museum staff was to keep collections and buildings. • Since 1997 due to stabilization of the situation in the republic, and with financial assistance from international organizations activities of museums increased. • During 2002 -2003 15 museums were completely renovated. • It should be noted the improvement of technical equipment that has occurred recent years. • The number of museums participating in grant competitions and independently exercising modernization program is growing, but unfortunately there are not enough partnership programs.

Today

There are 124 museums in The Republic of Armenia

Museums are divided into: State National Regional Community

Museums belong to: 40 - RA Ministry of Culture 22 -RA Ministry of Science and Education 3 -RA Ministry of Defence 2 -RA Ministry of Nature Protection 2 -RA Ministry of Architecture and Urban Planning 22 -Town Hall 5 -Foundation 5 -Private 5 -Corporate Others belong to regional , community and church authorities

Museum on the profile are divided into: History Museums Art Museums Literary Museums Regional Museums Corporate Museums Natural History Museums Music Museums Architecture Museums

Number of visitors during last years 2010 2011 2012 2013 339427 444451 472709 537922

SUCCESS OF RECENT YEARS “International Day of Museum” and “Museum Night” are considered to be success of museum life during recent years.

Development during the last 5 years 169614 148834 107420 20330 31 2009 20000 34 2010 59 2011 65 2012 89 2013

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