"Armenia!" at The Met Fifth Avenue, Marks 30 Years of Republic

Exhibition Explores Armenian Art and Culture from Antiquity to the Present

New York, NY, March 15, 2023

The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Fifth Avenue location is currently hosting "Armenia!," a groundbreaking exhibition celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia. The exhibition, which runs until July 16, 2023, presents a comprehensive overview of Armenian art and culture from antiquity to the present day, featuring over 150 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and jewelry.

The exhibition is organized chronologically, beginning with a section on ancient Armenia. This section features artifacts from the Urartian period (9th-6th centuries B.C.) and the Kingdom of Armenia (1st century B.C.-5th century A.D.). Highlights include a monumental bronze statue of a winged bull and a gold earring with a depiction of the goddess Anahit.

The exhibition then explores the rise of Christianity in Armenia and its impact on Armenian art. This section includes a number of illuminated manuscripts, as well as a remarkable collection of stone carvings from the medieval period. One of the most impressive pieces is a 10th-century khachkar, or cross-stone, which is decorated with intricate carvings of biblical scenes.

The final section of the exhibition focuses on the development of Armenian art from the 19th century to the present day. This section includes paintings by renowned Armenian artists such as Hovhannes Aivazovsky, Martiros Saryan, and Arshile Gorky. The exhibition also features a selection of contemporary Armenian art, including works by photographers, sculptors, and painters.

In conclusion, "Armenia!" at The Met Fifth Avenue is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in Armenian art and culture. The exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the country's rich history, and its stunning collection of artifacts is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.