The Local History Museum of Dilijan

In the mid-19th century, near Dilijan, the first archaeological excavations in Armenia took place, revealing some of the country’s most ancient relics—tools, pottery, ornaments, and household items dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE. These discoveries laid the foundation for what is today one of Dilijan’s most cherished cultural institutions—the Local History Museum and Art Gallery.

Conceptually, the museum is divided into two main sections: a historical and ethnographic wing, and a fine arts gallery.
The historical exhibition offers a captivating journey into the Copper Age, with artifacts unearthed from sites within the boundaries of what is now Dilijan National Park. Visitors can admire intricate ornaments from antiquity, admire tools shaped by ancient hands, and stroll through evocative displays that recreate the refined interiors of Dilijan’s 19th-century intellectual elite.

Though the museum officially opened in 1950, its beginnings trace back earlier, when a collection of rare archaeological items—assembled by art historian Serik Davtyan—was exhibited in Dilijan’s local library. The Art Gallery opened its doors in 1957 thanks to the efforts of artist Hovhannes Sharambeyan, adding a second dimension to the institution’s cultural mission.

To visit the museum is to see Dilijan in a new light—as a city where ancient history, folk craftsmanship, artistic expression, and natural grandeur converge. After a walk through its halls, every street corner, every carved balcony, and every souvenir seems to whisper a deeper story.

The art gallery boasts an impressive collection not only of renowned Armenian painters, but also internationally celebrated masters. Among them are the evocative works of American artist Rockwell Kent, the dramatic forest landscapes of Russian painter Ivan Shishkin, and the seascapes of marine artist Ivan Aivazovsky, as well as pieces by his protégé Lev Lagorio. The gallery also houses select works by Dutch, Italian, and French painters from the 16th to 18th centuries.

“Rockwell Kent traveled throughout the Soviet Union, and skipping Dilijan would have been unforgivable,” shares Arman Badeyan, the museum’s director. “He famously compared Dilijan to Switzerland and, moved by its beauty, donated several of his works to the gallery as a token of his admiration.”

Armenian art is represented in its full vibrancy. Visitors will encounter the canvases of founding figures of Armenian painting such as Gevorg Bashinjaghian, Vardges Sureniants, Panos Terlemezian, and Martiros Saryan, as well as the unforgettable works of Minas Avetisyan. In fact, Avetisyan’s Stillness has become the gallery’s emblem—its most photographed and beloved painting among visitors.

Of particular interest are the two exhibition halls dedicated to Armenian socialist realism—a movement with a distinctly local character that extends far beyond Soviet-era clichés. “Few museums today feature such an extensive collection of socialist realism,” says Badeyan. “Here we have works by Mger Abegyan, Ruben Adalyan, Levon Khojoyan, Arpenik Nalbandyan, and many others. It’s a significant and powerful collection that captures an era.”

More than a museum, the Local History Museum and Art Gallery is a living cultural center. It offers a range of master classes for both locals and tourists—adults and children alike—inviting them to engage directly with the region’s rich artistic heritage.

Here are the five main workshops offered:

• Carpet Weaving: In just one to two hours, participants create a small ornamental piece on a pre-prepared wool base. The technique taught is the traditional Armenian double knot—a meticulous method requiring patience and care. Only wool threads are used, and the result is a true work of cultural significance.

• Carpet vs. Carpet (Karpet) Making: This workshop highlights the distinction between traditional knotted carpets and karpets—flat-woven textiles without knots on the reverse side. Participants design a motif on a prepared loom using ancient patterns and methods.

• Batik Painting: In this creative session, guests paint on fabric stretched over a wooden frame using textile dyes. The designs reflect Dilijan’s nature, culture, and spirit. Batik is not just a craft but an art form—a delicate dance of color, fabric, and personal expression.

• Jewelry Making: This unique workshop gives participants the chance to craft their own jewelry from copper, drawing inspiration from archaeological pieces exhibited in the museum. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with the region’s ancient aesthetic and take home a meaningful keepsake.

• Graphic Art (Linocut Printing): This class introduces participants to the art of linocut—a technique of engraving designs onto linoleum blocks. The museum provides a variety of sketches themed around Dilijan. Once complete, the linocut can be inked and printed—a tangible memory of one’s creative journey.

Each master class is not only hands-on but also deeply informative. Participants learn about the historical development of each craft, from the dyeing techniques of Armenian wool to the origins of national ornamental styles, the ancient practices behind copper jewelry, and the symbolic power of linocuts.

But perhaps the most rewarding part of these experiences is the opportunity to leave with something truly personal—a piece of Dilijan crafted by your own hands.