3 minute read
The history and culture of 19th-century Alexandrapol came to life at the Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life of Gyumri as the museum, the Gyumri State Symphony Orchestra and Etude Studio joined forces for a special cultural program.
As part of the event titled “An Evening at the Museum,” a museum tour was combined with live scenes depicting everyday life in 19th-century Alexandrapol, the name by which Gyumri was known at the time. Visitors had the opportunity to take a special guided tour and learn about the everyday life, traditions, urban culture and historical environment of the city.
The second part of the evening featured symphonic music in the museum’s open-air historical setting. History and music were brought together in one place, creating a unique cultural environment and a symbolic journey through time. The event also marked the first concert of the Gyumri State Symphony Orchestra’s autumn concert season, led by Artistic Director Armen Karchyan and conductor Yervand Varosyan.
The “An Evening at the Museum” cultural initiative transformed the museum for one evening into a unique meeting place for music, history and memory.
“Such events once again emphasize that Gyumri continues to breathe culture. The Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life of Gyumri has collaborated with Etude Studio and the symphony orchestra before, and such collaborations take place regularly. But this collaboration was unique in that visitors to the museum were offered a tour accompanied by a theatrical performance. Visitors found themselves in the everyday life of the 19th century and became acquainted with the lifestyles of aristocrats and craftsmen, while the evening concluded with a beautiful concert program.
“All this made the museum more vibrant and proved that museums are not only places that preserve and present history, but also living centers of culture,” museum director Ani Nazaryan told Armenpress, adding that such events encourage people to visit museums.