The building of the Gallery of Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan Sisters is itself a unique representation of Gyumri’s architecture. It was originally constructed as a private residence in 1880 by the wealthy Qeshishov family. After the devastating earthquake in 1988, the building was used to shelter homeless families, and it reopened as a gallery only in 2004.
The Gallery was established in 1987 by the sisters themselves, and by the time of their deaths, they had donated around 620 original works — including paintings, ceramics, and graphic art, which are now proudly displayed in the gallery.
The building has been protected by the Armenian government since 1980 as a historical and cultural heritage site.
The gallery has two floors: the first floor exhibits the works of Eranuhi, and the second floor displays the works of Mariam. It also features an inner courtyard and a wooden balcony, which are typical elements of 19th-century urban architecture in Gyumri.
Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan held a unique place in the world of art. They dedicated their lives to developing both Armenian and international art. Only Mariam managed to overcome what was perhaps the greatest challenge of her time — promoting the role of a woman artist in Soviet society.
Eranuhi Aslamazyan was a talented artist and a visionary creator. Her paintings are full of delicate colors and rich aesthetic and ideological layers. She paid special attention to the human spirit and human values, firmly believing in the importance of human creativity. Today, her works are held in numerous museums around the world — including in London, Sofia, Berlin, Leningrad, Venice, Tokyo, and Delhi.
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