Armenia's National Gallery reopens with new concept after five-year renovation

The National Gallery of Armenia has reopened after a five-year renovation, unveiling a new curatorial concept that places Armenian art within the context of global art history, its director said on Wednesday.

The overhaul went far beyond cosmetic changes, focusing on conservation, security and modern museum standards, Marina Hakobyan, Director of the National Gallery of Armenia, told a press conference.

“This is not just about walls,” Hakobyan said. “It is about the preservation of exhibits, security, the creation of new exhibition spaces and the introduction of modern climate control and ventilation systems.”

She said improved temperature and humidity controls now ensure the long-term protection of artworks in the permanent collection, calling the preservation of cultural heritage the museum’s top priority ahead of public promotion.

As part of the renovation, the gallery’s large windows were sealed despite their aesthetic appeal. Hakobyan said ultraviolet light penetrating through the windows had posed a serious threat to the paintings.

The redesigned exhibition halls now feature different color schemes, selected after months of research into international museum practices and art-historical analysis to determine the most suitable palettes for displaying artworks.

Hakobyan said the gallery has also shifted away from its previous structure, which separated collections into Armenian, Russian and European sections.

“That approach was appropriate for its time, but it is no longer relevant,” she said. “Our new concept presents Armenian art as an integral and equal part of world art.”

Under the new layout, the exhibition is organized largely in chronological order, allowing visitors to trace the development of global art and understand the place of Armenian visual art within it, she added.

Due to limited permanent exhibition space, only about 5% of the gallery’s collection is currently on display. However, the renovation has allowed an additional 400 works to be included in the permanent exhibition.

Hakobyan also noted that around 1,700 artworks were restored over the past five years, calling it a strong result for the institution.

In a nod to international museum trends, exhibition posters are also displayed in restrooms of the National Gallery.