The Armenian American Museum will be a world class institution that honors our past and builds our future. The museum will be a landmark center for education, preservation, and inspiration that will serve generations to come.

The Naming Opportunities program provides individuals, families, and organizations the unique opportunity to sponsor one of the museum’s iconic spaces and establish a lifelong association with the institution through a legacy gift. The generosity of the Naming Opportunities donors will bring to fruition a cultural and educational center that will stand as a one-of-a-kind institution that will be the pride of the community and whose impact will transcend generations. The Naming Opportunities will be forever recognized as the pillars of the museum as it constructs a new path for the community into the horizon.

For more information, contact Major Gifts Director Mary Khayat by calling (818) 644-2073 or emailing [email protected].

Museum Building

The Armenian American Museum is a landmark center that will serve as a message of strength, perseverance, and hope for future generations. The cultural and educational center will be dedicated to powerful exhibitions, public programs, educational opportunities, preservation work, and memorable events. The iconic and inspiring design will rise to the horizon and serve a symbol of pride to the community throughout the world.

Garden of Roots

The Garden of Roots is a signature public art feature dedicated to the beautiful landscapes of the Armenian Highlands and strong traditional roots of the Armenian people. The Garden of Roots features flowers from all regions of Armenia and three symbolic trees of the Homeland including the Olive Tree representing Western Armenia, Pomegranate Tree representing the Armenian tree of life, and Apricot Tree representing the fruit of Armenia.

Main Entrance Plaza

Sponsored by Arakelian Family

The Main Entrance Plaza will serve as the main entrance for visitors through East Colorado Street. The covered plaza will feature the architectural metal cladding of the building facade overhead and Armenian-inspired basalt walls at each side with a floor-to-ceiling glass facade greeting patrons to an immersive and impactful experience at the Armenian American Museum.

Park Entrance Plaza

Sponsored by Armen and Gloria Hampar Family Foundation

The Park Entrance Plaza will serve as the main entrance for visitors through Central Park. The covered plaza will feature the architectural metal cladding of the building facade overhead and Armenian-inspired basalt walls at each side with a floor-to-ceiling glass facade greeting patrons to an immersive and impactful experience at the Armenian American Museum.

Monumental Staircase

Sponsored by George Ignatius Foundation

The Monumental Staircase represents the beginning of a powerful journey as visitors from East Colorado Street traverse up to the main entrance of the Armenian American Museum. Each step of the Monumental Staircase represents the resilience of the Armenian people as it rises to each challenge and elevates each generation to the next level – one step at a time.

Grand Lobby

Reserved

The Grand Lobby will welcome visitors to an open and awe-inspiring space that will serve as the central gathering area inside the museum building. The space will serve as a hub connecting patrons to the programming sections on the first level and the Grand Elevator and Grand Staircase with access to the upper levels. The Grand Lobby will be illuminated by the natural light of the Hazarashen Skylight rising overhead.

Auditorium

Sponsored by Jack & Maro Kalaydjian

The Auditorium of the museum will serve as an arts and cultural destination by hosting a wide range of programming including lectures, performances, film screenings, special events, and much more. The multi-faceted venue will provide engaging and memorable experiences for patrons throughout the year. The Auditorium connects to the Grand Lobby on the first level of the museum building.

Demonstration Kitchen

Sponsored by Avadis & Nancy Tevanian

The Demonstration Kitchen of the Armenian American Museum will provide a one-of-a-kind learning experience for patrons. The Demonstration Kitchen will offer a wide array of culinary opportunities including cooking presentations, cooking courses, and food-centered social events. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about Armenian culture through food and experience the rich cuisines of diverse cultures.

Learning Center

The Learning Center of the Armenian American Museum will offer a wide range of educational programs and opportunities for adults, youth, children, and families that will promote lifelong learning, illuminate stories and experiences, and inspire interaction and collaboration. The Learning Center will feature multiple classrooms that will support multi-generational educational courses and group activities.

Administration Center

The Administration Center of the Armenian American Museum will serve as the central management and operations center for the cultural and educational center. The Administration Center will feature a reception space to welcome patrons, offices for museum staff members, and a conference room for hosting meetings. The Administration Center connects to the Grand Lobby on the first level of the museum building.

Gift Shop

Sponsored by Kevon & Alexia Kevonian

The Gift Shop will offer unique gifts, books, souvenirs, and memorabilia that complement the museum’s diverse programming and uplifting mission. The Gift Shop will be conveniently located on the first level of the museum building. The Gift Shop will serve as the meeting point of the Grand Elevator and Grand Staircase in the Grand Lobby.

Grand Elevator

Sponsored by Rima & Donnell Cameron In Memory of Janet & Rouzas Khoylian

The Grand Elevator will elevate guests between the first level and the upper levels. The Grand Elevator will feature signature glass panels for a contemporary design which will also provide patrons with an unfettered view of the inspiring Grand Lobby and beautiful Hazarashen Skylight.

Grand Staircase

The Grand Staircase will serve as a bridge between the first level and the upper exhibition levels just as the museum will serve as a bridge between the Diaspora and the Homeland. The Grand Staircase will feature remarkable Noravank-inspired basalt steps with each step revealing the Alphabet Wall that serves as the backdrop of the experience.

Alphabet Wall

Sponsored by The GASKA Alliance Foundation

The Alphabet Wall is the signature public art feature of the Grand Lobby towering to the upper levels as an homage to the Armenian alphabet and ancient Armenian architecture. Each letter will be chiseled using ancient carving methods of Armenia. The Alphabet Wall will serve as a prominent statement on mid-century Armenian hand-crafted stone work and the preservation of Armenian language and literature for generations of museum patrons.

Hazarashen Skylight

Reserved

The Hazarashen Skylight rises to the horizon of the museum building’s core and illuminates the Grand Lobby with natural light as it welcomes visitors to the museum. The Hazarashen Skylight is named after the “thousand” (hazar) of wood pieces used in traditional roofs for homes in the Armenian Highlands. The Hazarashen Skylight is an inviting gesture to the museum’s patrons with the warm message of “Welcome to Our Home.”

Permanent Exhibition Gallery

The Permanent Exhibition Gallery will house an exhibition showcasing the thousands of years of rich and vibrant Armenian history, educate the public on one of the darkest chapters in history in the Armenian Genocide, and celebrate the inspiring strength, resilience, and perseverance of the Armenian people and their vast contributions to the world. The exhibition will provide a unique, immersive, and impactful experience for every visitor.

Temporary Exhibitions Gallery

Reserved

The Temporary Exhibitions Gallery will feature a series of temporary exhibitions on rotation at the museum that will showcase diverse cultures and subject matters. The temporary exhibitions hosted in the gallery will engage broad audiences and serve as a bridge that connects our multicultural community. The temporary exhibitions will be a memorable part of every patron’s experience at the Armenian American Museum.

Archives Center

Sponsored by David & Margaret Mgrublian

The Armenian American Museum will serve as a repository for Armenian heritage by preserving, conserving, and archiving rare artifacts, cherished artworks, historical documents and media, and special collections. The state-of-the-art facility will house the museum’s collections and serve as a state-of-the-art facility on the second level of the cultural and educational center.