Armenian American Museum

Armenian American Museum Design Unveiled

NEW RELEASE
Armenian American Museum
Email: info@ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org
Tel: 844-586-4626
Web: http://www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org

PRESS RELEASE
December 9, 2015
CONTACT: Tigranna Zakaryan
(818) 636-0108
tigrannazakaryan4 @ g mail.com

ARMENIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM DESIGN UNVEILED

GLENDALE, CA - The Armenian American Museum unveiled its conceptual design at the Glendale City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. The Project Development Committee presented the developments of the first phase of the master planning process and shared concept design for the new museum.

`The concept for the museum is rooted in creating a place of inspiration and hope for the community' stated the Museum Project Development Committee Chairman Berdj Karapetian. `We have submitted all of the requirements to the City of Glendale in our exclusive negotiating agreement and are now ready to proceed to securing the ground lease agreement, further developing our master plan, and organizing fundraising initiatives that will enable us to bring this project into fruition.'

The Armenian American Museum concept designed by Alajajian Marcoosi Architects will include exhibitions space, resource center, a performing arts theater, and classrooms. The museum building will be surrounded by an outdoor plaza and peace garden on the City owned property next to the Glendale Civic Auditorium. The 1.7 acre property on the corner of Verdugo Road and Mountain Street will also serve as the location for a memorial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.The Museum's vision is a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity while speaking out against prejudice.

Glendale City Mayor Ara Najarian applauded the work of the museum team following the design presentation by stating, `Just one year ago this was a dream for our community and I feel very excited to see things come to this level. I know there will be some milestones ahead but I have no doubt that you will work diligently to create a wonderful design plan that will put Glendale on the map nationwide.'

Councilwoman Paula Devine relayed her support by highlighting the cross-cultural and education component of the museum and invited selected architects Aram Alajajian and Sako Marcoosi to share their inspiration for the design.

`The inspiration lays within the museum itself to serve the Glendale community at large and create a place for visitors to learn about Armenian culture through the permanent exhibit while also hosting diverse traveling exhibits.'

Councilmen Vartan Gharpetian and Zareh Sinanyan further noted the multi-functionality of the museum by echoing the education opportunities it will bring to the community and the significance of building it adjacent to the Glendale Community College campus.

The overarching support of the Glendale City Council was emphasized by Councilwoman Laura Freidman in stating, `You have a very supportive Council and a great sense of passion from the community to make this happen. I am happy to learn that you have hired a local entity to bring this bold vision to Glendale.'

The next stage for the Museum project will be to secure a Ground Lease Agreement with the City of Glendale and commission a master plan that will provide operational direction on programming, business strategy, facility development, and governance.

The Museum will launch a wide-range of outreach programs in the coming months with City of Glendale government, businesses, homeowner associations, and community members to ensure collaboration, feedback, and community-driven opportunities to raise awareness about Armenian American Museum.

The mission of the Armenian American Museum is to promote understanding and appreciation of America's ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experiences.

For more information about the Armenian American Museum please visit ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org or call (844) 586-4626

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Armenian American Museum

The Armenian American Museum is a developing project in Glendale, CA, with a mission to promote understanding and appreciation of America's ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. When completed, it will serve as a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice.

The governing board of the Armenian American Museum consists of representatives from the following nine regional Armenian American institutions and organizations: Armenian Catholic Eparchy, Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, Armenian General Benevolent Union - Western District, Armenian Relief Society - Western USA, Nor Or Charitable Foundation, Nor Serount Cultural Association, Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Glendale City Council Proposes Moving Armenian Museum to Downtown

GLENDALE -- The Glendale City Council voted on March 22 to authorize City Manager Scott Ochoa to enter an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with the Armenian American Museum to locate the potential project in downtown Glendale's Arts and Entertainment District across from the Central Library.

The Museum had been exploring the feasibility of building on City-owned property across from Glendale Community College until late February 2016 when the Glendale City Council directed Councilmember Zareh Sinanyan and City Manager Scott Ochoa to formally present the new potential site to the Armenian American Museum Governing Board.

The Governing Board held several meetings with Armenian American community organizations and representatives to consider the proposed location. It was concluded that the proposed 1.3 acres property in the heart of downtown Glendale near the corner of Colorado Street and Brand Boulevard would be a prominent location for the Museum.

During the March 22 City Council meeting, City Manager Ochoa presented the City of Glendale's vision for how downtown Glendale would be the best home for the Armenian American Museum and create a partnership between the City and the Museum.

Councilmember Vartan Gharpetian noted the synergy the proposed site would create between the Armenian American Museum and neighboring Central Library, Museum of Neon Arts, and The Americana at Brand. `This will be a landmark,' he remarked. `It will put Glendale on the map. It will bring more tourists and visitors to the area.'

Councilmember Paula Devine commended the Museum's leadership and committee members on their progress and expressed her support for bringing the Museum to downtown. She added, `I feel this is a great location for everybody.' Councilmember Zareh Sinanyan shared his vision for the Arts and Entertainment District and the integral role the Museum can play in the future of downtown Glendale. `I think the future is great and I think the Museum is going to be a large contributing factor,' he added.

Mayor Ara Najarian expressed his support for building the Armenian American Museum in downtown Glendale, calling it a `win-win for the community' and a `huge asset for the City.' Najarian and fellow councilmembers present voted in favor of the proposal, initiating the first steps toward locating the Museum in the heart of downtown Glendale.

Source: California Courier

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