ARMENIAN CULTURE EXHIBITION OPENS AT HERMITAGE

Noyan Tapan
Dec 04 2006

SAINT PETERSBURG, DECEMBER 4, NOYAN TAPAN. RA Prime Minister Andranik
Margarian, who visited Saint Petersburg on the occasion of closure of
Year of Armenia in Russia, took part in the opening of an exhibition
under the title Armenian Culture on December 2 at Hermitage. Noyan
Tapan was informed about it from RA government Information and Public
Relations Department. This exhibition that opened at Hermitage after
repairs of exhibition-halls and will be constantly renewed includes
I-XIX centuries. Hellenistic culture in Armenia is presented with an
exclusive graceful historic sample, which is a gift from the Armenian
government to Hermitage: this is the capital of the heathen temple of
Garni. The exhibition widely presents the art and culture of medieval
Armenia, especially its miniature painting. The Hermitage displays
include ancient Armenian manuscripts created not only in Armenia,
but also beyond its bounds.

The exhibition also includes the Cilician Armenia. XVII-XIX centuries’
Armenian silversmiths’ samples of fine taste – church and consumer
accessories, make a considerable part. Khachkars (cross-stones)
are also widely displayed.

Hermitage Director Mikhail Piotrovski, RA Minister of Culture and Youth
Affairs Hasmik Poghosian and Head of RF Culture and Cinematography
Federal Agency Mikhail Shvidkoy in their speeches attached importance
to this valuable exhibition as one more evidence of Armenian-Russian
friendship and cooperation. After the exhibition’s opening, RA Minister
of Culture and Youth Affairs and Head of RF Culture and Cinematography
Federal Agency signed a cooperation program for 2007-2009.