Italian experts restore Garni bathhouse mosaic

Specialists from Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports on Monday visited the Garni Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve in Kotayk Province to review ongoing restoration work on the site’s Roman-era bathhouse mosaic.

According to the ministry, experts from Florence’s L’Opificio delle Pietre Dure institute began work on September 1, focusing on the most endangered sections of the mosaic. Part of the artwork has been cleaned, several areas reinforced and other conservation measures carried out.

The Italian team also sampled materials used in restoration efforts conducted about 30 years ago to assess the durability of previous binding agents. Following partial repairs, the mosaic will be conserved, with further work planned in October after additional studies.

Armenian restorers from the Service for the Protection of Historical Environment and Cultural Museum-Reserves are also involved in the project, gaining practical experience for the site’s long-term preservation.