Armenian Museum of America

05/27/2026

By the late 1940s, the recording industry began to flourish. Across the street from NBC Studios in Hollywood was the Electro-Vox Studio, a popular label used by well-known artists including Henry Mancini, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie.

A rare set of records was made there by a young Armenian woman, Louise Danielian. Her accompanist, Marshall Chashoudian, was born in Haverhill in 1901. He went on to become a member of the faculty at the LA Conservatory of Music. In 1947, he became the local representative for the American National Committee to Aid Homeless Armenians, an organization to resettle displaced Armenians in Europe after World War II.

While much is known about Chashoudian, vocalist Louise Danielian seems to have turned her attention away from the music industry but has left us her unique renditions of these four popular Armenian songs from their sessions at Electro-Vox.

Explore Louise Danielian & Marshall Chashoudian's unique Armenian music recordings in Hollywood, revealing their exceptional contributions.

05/26/2026

We are thrilled to invite our members to the exclusive opening of "Father," the powerful new exhibition by acclaimed artist Diana Markosian, on Thursday, May 28.

We are excited to announce a special guest appearance by actress Angela Sarafyan--known for her roles in Westworld, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, A Beautiful Life, and The Promise--who will join artist Diana Markosian and curator Anahit Gasparyan for the evening’s discussion panel.

This deeply moving exhibition and panel will explore memory, family, identity, and re-connection through photography, film, and personal narrative. Signed copies of Diana’s book will be available for purchase.

The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, May 29. Please note: This is a ticketed event for current members of the Armenian Museum only. An RSVP is required via Eventbrite to attend and your membership must be current.

05/24/2026

We’ve extended the Arshile Gorky exhibition after strong interest from visitors and positive reviews from arts publications. Don’t miss it! Our galleries in Watertown (Boston) are open Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 to 6:00.

05/23/2026

On what would have been his 100th birthday, we pause to remember our late Chairman and Founder of the Armenian Museum of America, Haig Der Manuelian (1926-2016).

Haig’s leadership, generosity, and unwavering dedication helped shape the Museum into what it is today. He left an indelible mark not only on this institution, but on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His passion, wisdom, and steadfast belief in the importance of preserving Armenian culture continue to guide and inspire us.

Even into his 90s, Haig brought unmatched energy to life working every day and playing tennis three times a week. He was an extraordinary example of commitment, vitality, and purpose. Today, we honor his memory with gratitude and affection.

Happy 100th Birthday, Haig. You are deeply missed and forever remembered.

05/22/2026

Legendary oud virtuosos John Berberian and Antranig Kzirian will perform live in our galleries on June 11 as part of our Music in Color concert series. Two generations of oud players will blend storytelling, Armenian folk traditions, and improvisation. This is a ticketed event with an RSVP required via Eventbrite: www.armenianmuseum.org/oud

05/20/2026

Legendary oud virtuoso John Berberian and acclaimed contemporary musician Antranig Kzirian will perform live in our galleries on June 11 as part of our Music in Color concert series. Two generations of oud players will blend storytelling, Armenian folk traditions, improvisation, and modern interpretation. The Music in Color program is generously sponsored by Nancy R. Kolligian. This is a ticketed event with an RSVP required via Eventbrite.

Don't miss oud masters John Berberian & Antranig Kzirian at Armenian Museum of America on June 11th, 7:00 pm—a unique musical journey awaits!

05/18/2026

Recognized nationally and internationally for his contributions to contemporary art, Kegham Tazian is an influential Armenian-American artist who came to the United States in 1960 from Beirut. He is known for blending Armenian motifs, Middle Eastern influences, and modernist abstraction into a deeply expressive visual language. His work explores themes of suffering, spirituality, memory, and humanity’s relationship to industry and modern life.

In this video, Collections Manager Caprice Erickson-Lara shows us several of his notable works that we have in our collection. The six pieces reflect motifs employed by Tazian, such as the relationship between humanity and industry, the troubled yet sacred past of the Armenian religious experience, and themes of identity, resilience, and ancestral memory.

The Treasures from Our Collection video series is generously sponsored by Michele M. Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.

The Treasures from Our Collection video series is generously sponsored by Michele M. Kolligian, President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.

05/15/2026

By now you know Watertown is Boston's other artsy city along the Charles River, and our galleries are located right in the center of the Watertown Cultural District. This weekend is an incredible time to visit and here are the top picks from our Executive Director Jason Sohigian:

1. Watertown Porchfest is happening on Saturday with more than 200 live musical performances around the city from 12-6! https://www.watertownmanews.com/2026/05/12/third-watertown-porchfest-is-bigger-than-ever-with-200-performances/

2. Winslow Martin's exhibit of 30 black-and-white photographs from Armenia is on view at Project Save's new gallery space. https://artsfuse.org/328455/visual-arts-review-witness-and-wonder-winslow-martins-armenia-in-fragments-of-daily-life/

3. The Community Sculpture walk which starts along the bicycle path behind the museum includes 4 new sculptures. https://www.watertownmanews.com/2026/05/04/celebrate-new-public-art-meet-the-artists-at-community-sculpture-walk-opening-reception/

4. The Mosesian Center for the Arts opened a new exhibit of painting, printmaking, illustration, photography, and sculpture. https://www.mosesianarts.org/product/2302?v=3082

5. And check out the extension of "Arshile Gorky: Redrawing Community and Connections" (gallery hours 12-6). https://www.bostonartreview.com/read/arshile-gorky-armenian-museum-of-america-abigail-felicianos

“Arshile Gorky: Redrawing Community and Connections” charts the artist’s evolution from an Armenian immigrant to a defining figure of modern American art.

05/13/2026

“Last week, NEMA staff dropped in to visit the Armenian Museum of America. Thank you so much to museum staff for giving us a tour that included their permanent collection, as well as pieces from their Arshile Gorky and Serj Tankian exhibitions. We enjoyed learning about the history of the largest museum of Armenian culture in the diaspora, located right here in New England!” - New England Museum Association

05/13/2026

Join the Greater Boston community in celebrating America’s 250th and the 74th anniversary of Armenian Night at the Pops with Sofya Vardanyan, Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, and Pink Martini. Violinist Sofya Vardanyan will perform Alan Hovhaness' “Ode to Freedom” and selected works with the Boston Pops orchestra.

🇺🇸 250 years of America
🎼 125 years of Symphony Hall
🎻 74 years of Armenian Night at the Pops

One night. Three milestones. A century of Armenian-American legacy on Boston’s most iconic stage.

Join us in celebrating America’s 250th and Symphony Hall’s 125th anniversaries with Sofya Vardanyan, Keith Lockhart & the Boston Pops, and Pink Martini.

Alan Hovhaness, a Boston-born composer of Armenian and Scottish descent, created over 500 works throughout his remarkable career. Violinist Sofya Vardanyan will perform his “Ode to Freedom” and selected works with the Boston Pops orchestra.

May 23 · 7:30 PM · Symphony Hall
🎟 FACSBoston.org

05/10/2026

Please join The Friends of Armenian Culture Society in welcoming the renowned Yerevan-born violinist, Sofya Vardanyan, who will perform with the Boston Pops under the baton of conductor Keith Lockhart.

In tribute to our Armenian heritage and America’s 250th anniversary, Vardanyan will perform Ode to Freedom, composed by the Somerville-born, illustrious composer Alan Hovhaness, and other selected works.

The genre-blending, cross-over ensemble Pink Martini also returns to Symphony Hall Boston that evening. Known for their diverse genres and multi-lingual songs, the performances will transport listeners around the world. This season celebrates the 74th year of Armenian Night at the Pops!