Glendale, CA (November 25, 2025) – The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California celebrated a milestone evening at the sold-out Heritage Gala on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The signature annual event, which supports the developing institution, drew more than 1,000 supporters, community leaders, and cultural visionaries gathered at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown for an evening that honored Armenian heritage and community impact.
The Heritage Gala blended tradition, culture, and forward vision, echoing the Heritage Gala theme and the museum’s mission to honor the past while envisioning a future where history, education, and community thrive side by side. Guests experienced an event that was both a reflection of Armenian legacy and a celebration of the museum’s transformative journey.
The gala program began with a warm welcome from Master of Ceremonies Sona Movsesian, whose humor and charm set the tone for the program.
The Invocation was led by Board of Trustees Co-Chairs Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian representing the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian representing the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, Reverend Hendrik Shanazarian representing the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, and representing the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States and Canada, Very Reverend Father Armenag Bedrossian.
Heritage Gala Chair Steve Mathison, PNG Builders President delivered a compelling address, capturing the heart of the museum and paying homage to the community that continues to fuel its momentum. PNG Builders has been the General Contractor for the museum’s landmark cultural and educational center since the start of construction in 2021, following approval by the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors after an extensive selection process. His remarks carried a quiet determination, reminding all that the museum is a labor of love shared by many hands.
“This museum isn’t just about architecture—it’s about identity. Every wall we raise holds history, every design choice honors memory, and every square foot stands as a tribute to resilience,” stated Heritage Gala Chair Steve Mathison. “On behalf of PNG Builders, we’re proud to be part of a project that will inspire generations to connect with their past and envision their future.”
Board of Governors members LindaKay Abdulian and Pierre Movsessian served as the Heritage Gala Dinner Co-Chairs.
The first Heritage Gala Honoree Award was presented to Emmy award winning FOX 11 Good Day L.A. Co-Anchor Araksya Karapetyan by Board of Trustees Co-Treasurer Talin Yacoubian representing Armenian General Benevolent Union Western Region and Board of Trustees Member Dr. Nazareth Darakjian representing Armenian Missionary Association of America. Araksya Karapetyan was recognized for her inspiring journalism, dedication to Armenian heritage, and her decades of elevating Armenian stories on one of Los Angeles’ most-watched morning broadcasts. The museum celebrated her long-standing support, dating back to her role as Master of Ceremonies at the Inaugural Gala.
“I am grateful to be part of this journey and humbled by this recognition. I would not be able to do what I do without God’s guidance, without my family’s support, my colleagues who have become friends, and this community,” stated Araksya Karapetyan. Your stories give my work meaning. This recognition belongs to all of us who carry our heritage, in ways both big and small. Together, we can continue to write our story.”
Alec Van Khajadourian, the young piano prodigy, delivered a moving musical performance that lit up the evening. His talent filled the room with pride, and his eager, vibrant spirit stole the hearts of the audience, setting a heartfelt tone as the program led into the dinner portion of the evening.
The stage came alive with a standout performance by the talented students of Sonata Music School, founded by Sona Vardanyan. Their performance kicked off with a beautiful qanon segment and transitioned into a powerful rendition of Ara Gevorkyan’s Artsakh, delivering a wave of excitement that elevated the entire room.
Next, the second Heritage Gala Honoree Award was presented to the renowned Alajajian Marcoosi Architects by Board of Trustees Co-Treasurer and Secretary Krikor Moloyan representing Nor Serount Cultural Association, Board of Trustees member Armen Hovannisian representing Armenian Cultural Foundation, and Board of Trustees member Garo Kupelian representing Nor Or Charitable Foundation. The award was presented in recognition of the firm’s four decades of visionary leadership and contributions to the architectural landscape of Glendale and beyond.
The honoree presentation celebrated the firm’s bold imagination and the countless spaces they have shaped for community, culture, and connection. Their work has become part of the city’s visual heartbeat, blending craft and innovation with a deep respect for heritage. For the museum, their partnership has been more than architectural guidance. It has been a creative force helping translate a collective dream into a place where history, learning, and identity will flourish for generations.
“Architecture is not just about physical form. It’s about creating a sense of belonging and shaping spaces that reflect the people they serve. When we set out to design this museum, we embraced the challenge of capturing a rich cultural heritage while creating a place for future generations to interpret, imagine, and explore,” stated Aram Alajajian. “Every structure and detail was chosen with purpose, creating a dialogue between function and beauty. Our hope is that this space will inspire creativity, foster connection, and become a symbol that sparks conversation long after each visit.”
“As architects, we shape space, but the real builders of this museum are the volunteers, leaders, and supporters whose determination has carried it forward,” stated Sako Marcoosi. “Tonight’s recognition humbles us. We are proud to contribute to a project that stands as a beacon of culture, memory, and identity for our community and future generations.”
Honorees were presented with a one-of-a-kind sculpture commissioned from London-based artist Garo Nigogosian, founder and director of Garogosi Studio. Each piece was crafted using geological material taken from the summit of Mount Ararat, capturing a suspended moment of snow and ice preserved within the stone. The gift honors the recipients’ inspiring stories and steadfast commitment to Armenian heritage and serves as a symbolic keepsake of Armenia’s enduring spirit.
Next, the City of Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian delivered remarks emphasizing the city’s unwavering support and reflecting on the significance of the museum as both a cultural anchor and a beacon for future generations. His words carried the sentiment that the museum is not just being built in Glendale, but with Glendale, woven into the fabric of a city that has long championed the stories, resilience, and contributions of its Armenian community.
The program continued with a special video presentation revealing an early glimpse of the museum’s core exhibition. Though the animation rendering can only hint at the scale, emotion, and immersion the exhibition will provide, guests received an exclusive look into the vision behind the heart of the museum.
Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian and Executive Vice Chairman Zaven Kazazian closed the evening by expressing their sincere appreciation for PNG Builders, Heritage Gala Sponsors, speakers, the museum team, performers, long-standing supporters, and more for making the evening possible. Board of Trustees Co-Chair Archbishop Hovnan Derderian added the importance of sustaining a world-class institution that will preserve Armenian heritage and foster education for the community.
Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian also expressed sincere gratitude for the major Naming Opportunity donors of the year including Joshua & Anna Macciello, Armen Manoogian, Isaac and Frieda Vartanian Family, and Zaruhy Sara Chitjian Foundation.
The evening was capped off with socializing, dancing, and celebration at a special post-reception for attendees featuring a DJ, cigar lounge, and cognac bar.
The Heritage Gala received an overwhelming response in support and sponsorships. Platinum Sponsors included Dr. John D. & LindaKay Abdulian, Armenian General Benevolent Union Western Region, Bank of America, Pierre & Gina Movsessian, PNG Builders, and Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. Gold Sponsors included The Gaska Alliance Foundation and Touchstone Engineering Corporation. Silver Sponsors included Arakelian Family, Banc of California, Hovsep & Hilda Fidanian, Berdj & Mary Karapetian, William McMorrow, Meadows Mechanical, Muir-Chase Plumbing, Ara & Nina Ohanian, Pacific Systems Interiors, Precise Air Systems, Inc, Sarkis and Nune Sepetjian, Isaac & Frieda Vartanian, and Gevorg & Arax Voskanian. Bronze Sponsors included Anoushavan & Ofik Abrahamian, Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States and Canada, Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, Scott & Jane Asmar, Varouj Babikian & Talin Yacoubian, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger 5th District, Katherine Bedrosian, CalStar Motors, Carnevale & Lohr, Inc., Dr. Haig & Hilda Manjikian, Maestro Development, Nor Or Charitable Foundation, Nor Serount Cultural Association, Kenneth & Cynthia Norian, and Shaw & Sons Inc.
The highly anticipated cultural and educational center is currently under construction in the museum campus at Glendale Central Park. The installation of its iconic facade is already in progress, with full completion of construction expected by the end of 2026.
The museum’s mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. The museum will offer a wide range of public programming through Exhibitions, Auditorium, Learning Center, Demonstration Kitchen, Archives Center, and more.
Contribute to support the museum project at ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org/donate.