On Saturday, September 21, the History Museum of Armenia in Yerevan will open an extraordinary exhibition titled “Mother Goddess: From Anahit to Maryam.” The centerpiece of this event will be rare artifacts – a bronze head and hand of the goddess Anahit, recently transported from the British Museum to Armenia.
Historic Cultural Exchange Between Museums
The Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports announced the exhibition, emphasizing its international cultural significance. At the welcoming ceremony, Minister Zhanna Andreasyan, British Ambassador John Gallagher, and History Museum Director David Poghosyan praised the collaboration with one of the world’s most renowned museums.
Andreasyan highlighted that showcasing Anahit’s relics is a landmark cultural event for Armenia:
“It is especially meaningful that the central exhibits are elements of the bronze statue of the goddess Anahit, deeply familiar to every Armenian from school textbooks. This exhibition allows the public, including children, to see them in person for the first time.”
What Visitors Can Expect
The exhibition will feature a wide selection of artifacts dedicated to mother goddesses from ancient pagan Armenia to Christian times and the present day. Poghosyan noted that this is the first time these symbolic items from the British Museum will be displayed in Armenia, underscoring their value for the Armenian people.
The event also highlights long-standing cultural ties: the History Museum of Armenia has previously lent items to the British Museum and other prestigious institutions such as the Louvre, the Hermitage, and the Doge’s Palace for international exhibitions.
Duration and Practical Information
The temporary exhibition will be open to the public for six months, offering locals and tourists a rare chance to experience Armenia’s pagan heritage up close.
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If you are planning to attend this exhibition, consider extending your trip to explore Armenia’s cultural and natural landmarks, from Garni Temple to Lake Sevan and the Tatev Monastery.
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