MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
''Aguletsi'' Museum and Art Café
Armenian painter, ethnographer, and Honored Cultural Worker of Armenia
Lusik Aguletsi, a well-known artist, cultural figure, and collector, along with her husband, sculptor Yuri Samvelyan, transformed their family home into a unique cultural hub where everyone feels at home. Early on, Lusik Aguletsi had the idea to turn their home into a museum, that would warmly receive visitors. Students, local art lovers, and visitors from around the world came to the museum and enjoyed the warm hospitality.
In 2013, they established the "Aguletsi" Ethnographic, Cultural, Creative, and Educational Foundation, which continued to welcome guests. Later, in 2019, they officially opened the "Aguletsi" House-Museum and Art Café.
Lusik Aguletsi's collection is a remarkable blend of diverse cultures and historical periods. The museum showcases exhibits representing the cultural heritage of Armenians and various peoples from different regions, reflecting their daily lives. Remarkably, all artifacts were sourced from Armenian families, illustrating Lusik Aguletsi's commitment to preserving and revitalizing cultural gems.
Throughout the years, Lusik Aguletsi saved and restored many cultural objects, like old items, furniture, pottery, carpets, books, and jewelry, ensuring they were not forgotten. She also helped establish a culture of traditional costumes, building an extensive collection that reflects the festive cultures, something very special in Armenia.
The exhibition titled "Generations" holds great value, presenting five generations of creators within the family. This was the inspiration for transforming their residence into a beloved museum.
The museum attracts a wide audience, including schoolchildren, students, and foreign visitors, who participate in masterclasses and various educational programs. The doors of this house have always been open to guests, ensuring that no one leaves without experiencing a warm welcome.
Making thread dolls – 5,000 (6,000) AMD
Rituals & traditions introduction game – 500 (1,000) AMD (in Armenian / in other languages)
Headband weaving with threads – 1,500 / 2,500 AMD
Learning national songs with guitar – 30,000 AMD
Making Barekendan (festive) masks – 2,000 / 2,500 AMD
Painting on plaster eggs – 2,500 AMD
Classical music and performance – 70,000 AMD
Baking gata with traditional designs – 1,500 (2,500) AMD
Making asil-vasil (ritual dough dolls) – 1,500 (2,000) AMD
Dolma – 6,000 AMD
Vana mshosh – 3,500 AMD
Topik – 3,500 AMD
Agulisyan – 6,000 AMD
Ghapama – 3,500 AMD
Khurjin – 6,000 AMD
Baking lavash in traditional tonir (served with cheese, cucumber, tomato) – 3,500 AMD (Available for groups of 30 or more).