Old Residence of the Catholicos Museum

Type: Age: XVIII c. Region: Armavir Diocese: Under the auspice of the Mother See

The old residence of the Catholicos is one of the most unique museums of the Mother See. Built during the reign of the Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Ghazar I (Lazar) (1737-1751), the residence has served during the reigns of twenty Catholicoi.

After reconstruction (1968 – 1971), it was converted to the Catholicosal Museum. It is a memorial museum dedicated to all the Catholicoi who resided in the building from 1738 until 1962, starting with the founder, Ghazar I.

The original residence housed an Informal Reception Room, Throne Room (Formal Reception Room), official office of the Catholicosate, sleeping quarters, refectory and other rooms, all located on the second floor. The Throne Room is noted for its frescos on the walls and the ceilings (dating back to the 18^th century) painted by the artisans of the well-known Hovnatanian family.

The memorial museum houses archival materials, paintings, photos, and personal items belonging to the former Catholicoi, while preserving the original design and furnishings of the residence.

Currently, the museum is not open to the public as the objects and archives are in need of proper preservation for public display.

See also

• The Old Residence Museum page at armenianchurch.org
  
• Museum Interior (photos)

Visit Old Residence of the Catholicos Museum via following packages: