Yerevan, Armenia’s vibrant capital, is a city steeped in history and brimming with artistic treasures. Among its many cultural gems, the Hakob Kojoyan and Ara Sargsyan Memorial Museum stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity and the profound impact of two of the nation’s most celebrated artists. This unique museum, nestled in the heart of the city, offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives and works of sculptor Ara Sargsyan and painter Hakob Kojoyan, inviting visitors on a journey through the soul of Armenian art.
A House of Art, A Legacy Preserved
The museum’s story begins in 1973, when the two-story private residence that housed the families and studios of Ara Sargsyan and Hakob Kojoyan was generously donated to the state by their successors. This act of cultural preservation transformed a personal space into a public sanctuary, allowing future generations to connect with the artistic heritage of these two masters. Today, the museum operates as a branch of the National Gallery of Armenia, ensuring that the legacy of Sargsyan and Kojoyan continues to inspire and educate.
Ara Sargsyan: The Sculptor Who Shaped a Nation’s Identity
Entering the museum, visitors are first introduced to the powerful world of Ara Sargsyan (1902-1969), a pioneering figure in modern Armenian sculpture. The ground floor is dedicated to his art, showcasing a diverse collection of works sourced from the National Gallery, the family’s private collection, and even photographs of his early student creations.
Sargsyan’s artistic journey was a remarkable blend of national and European influences. He masterfully fused traditional Armenian aesthetics with modern sculptural trends, creating a unique style characterized by its monumental nobility, lyrical expressiveness, and psychological depth. His works range from thematic multi-figure compositions and high-relief sculptures to monumental public works and intimate miniatures.
One of the hallmarks of Sargsyan’s oeuvre is his mastery of portrait busts. A true virtuoso of sculptural media, he worked with marble, granite, bronze, and wood, immortalizing prominent Armenian figures such as linguist Manuk Abeghian, philologist Hrachya Acharyan, architect Toros Toramanyan, revolutionary Suren Spandaryan, and theater director Vardan Achemyan, to name just a few. These busts are not mere representations but profound character studies, capturing the essence and spirit of his subjects. It is worth mentioning that his bust of Toros Toramanyan is among the earliest sculptural portraits installed in Yerevan, symbolizing a significant era in Armenian sculptural art.
Beyond the busts, the museum also displays Sargsyan’s delicate and lyrical depictions of the female form. These sculptures, often slim and graceful, reveal a tenderness and warmth that contrast with the monumental grandeur of his public works. This duality in his art speaks to the breadth of his talent and his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his chosen medium. He also excelled in theatrical design, creating stage decorations and costumes for various performances, which can also be found exhibited in the museum.
Ara Sargsyan’s influence extended far beyond his own creations. He was one of the founders and the first director of the Yerevan Art-Theatre Institute (now the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography), where he also headed the Chair of Sculpture. His mentorship nurtured a new generation of Armenian sculptors, including luminaries like Ghukas Chubaryan, Ara Harutyunyan, Sargis Baghdasaryan, and Levon Tokmajyan, who further developed and enriched the field of Armenian sculpture.
Hakob Kojoyan: A Master of Color, Line, and Storytelling
Ascending to the second floor, visitors are transported into the vibrant and imaginative world of Hakob Kojoyan (1883-1959). This space is a treasure trove of his paintings, graphic designs, applied art, personal belongings, and handwritten documents, offering a comprehensive overview of his multifaceted career.
Kojoyan’s artistic legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of Armenian art. He was a master of multiple disciplines, excelling in painting, graphic design, and various branches of decorative applied art. His paintings are characterized by their sharp lines, expressive forms, delicate use of color, and masterful compositional structure. They often depict scenes of everyday life in Armenia, celebrating the beauty of the natural landscape and reflecting on historical events.
However, it is perhaps in the realm of graphic art that Kojoyan’s contribution is most significant. He was a profound connoisseur of Armenian medieval miniature painting, and he creatively incorporated its ornamental motifs into his book illustrations, particularly in his illustrations of fairy tales. This innovative approach made him one of the founders of the new stage of Armenian book illustration.
The museum proudly displays some of Kojoyan’s most celebrated illustrations, including those for the collection of poems “Sayat-Nova,” Hovhannes Toumanyan’s epic “Davit of Sasoun,” Yeghishe Charents’ “Book for the Road,” as well as illustrations for Axel Bakunts’ stories, “Hovnatan March” by Stepan Zoryan, E.T.A Hoffmann’s fairy tales and many others. These works are not merely illustrations but independent works of art, showcasing his remarkable ability to translate literary narratives into visual masterpieces. Kojoyan’s deep understanding of Armenian artistic traditions, combined with his modern sensibilities, allowed him to create a unique visual language that continues to captivate audiences today.
A Living Legacy
The Hakob Kojoyan and Ara Sargsyan Memorial Museum is more than just a repository of art; it is a living testament to the enduring power of creativity and the importance of cultural preservation. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with the lives and works of two of Armenia’s most influential artists, to understand their artistic journeys, and to appreciate their profound contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage.
As you wander through the rooms, surrounded by the sculptures, paintings, and personal artifacts of these two masters, you can almost feel their presence, their creative energy still lingering in the air. It’s a powerful reminder that art transcends time, connecting us to the past and inspiring us to shape the future.
Video Tour – Visiting the Museum
The Hakob Kojoyan and Ara Sargsyan Memorial Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Armenian art and culture. It is located at 70 and 72, Pushkin street in Yerevan and offers guided tours in multiple languages, providing deeper insights into the lives and works of these two remarkable artists.
Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or simply curious about Armenian history, a visit to this unique museum promises to be an enriching and unforgettable experience. It is a journey into the soul of Armenian art, a celebration of creativity, and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Hakob Kojoyan and Ara Sargsyan. So, step inside, explore their world, and let their art speak to your heart.
