Baghdasar Arzoumanian (January 1, 1916 – November 19, 2001) was an Armenian architect and designer based in Yerevan, Armenia. He designed a large body of civil and religious buildings as well as many smaller works.

Education and background

Arzoumanian was born in Mutsk, Syunik Province, Armenia. From 1928 to 1936 he studied at the Technical School. In 1938 he was admitted to the Constructions Department of the Institute for Polytechnical Sciences of Yerevan. In 1942 he entered the Soviet army and took part in World War II. He served in the army until 1946 when he returned to Yerevan to continue his studies. He graduated from the Institute in 1949. During his professional career he worked with the Yerevan Project Institute and the Armenian Church headquarters in Etchmiadzin. He died on November 19, 2001, in Yerevan.

Civil buildings

Arzoumanian is the architect of many civil buildings in Armenia. Below are some of his most important buildings: Arzoumanian is architect or co-architect of the RA Police building in Yerevan, various apartment buildings, reconstruction of Moscow Cinema in Yerevan. He is the architect of memorials to the victory in World War II in various parts of Armenia.

Etchmiadzin (1956–2001)

Early works

Design works

Khachkars and memorials

Arzoumanian designed many khachkars (Armenian stone crosses) and memorials. Many of them are in Etchmiadzin (i.e. the Motherland-Diaspora Memorial). He is also the architect of a memorial in the monastery of Geghard, and a memorial and khachkars next to the Prelacy of the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese.

Jewellery works

His Golden Alphabet (1976) and Golden Cross (1979) are kept in the Pontifical Residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians. Among his other works are: The list also includes various crosiers, rings, the liturgical dressing of the Catholicos of All Armenians. Arzoumanian is the designer of catholicosal medals St. Gregory the Illuminator, St. Sahak – St. Mesrop, and St. Nerses Shnorhali (Nerses the Gracious).

Interior design

Baghdasar Arzoumanian is the author of the Throne Hall of the Catholicos of All Armenians.

Iconostases

Besides iconostases of the churches of his own design, Arzoumanian is the author of the iconostases of following churches:

Graphical works

Arzoumanian also designed graphics which include the design of Etchmiadzin Monthly, Catholicosal Decrees, and book designs. He is the graphical designer and the author of the text of the book "Armenian Churches".

Tombstones

Baghasar Arzoumanian designed the tombstones of:

Other works

Baghdasar Arzoumanian is the author of the "Dpratoun" building in Oshakan, Armenia. He is also the designer of the entrance door of the Residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians.

Churches

Baghdasar Arzoumanian is the architect of 8 Armenian churches and 2 renovation projects.

Renovation projects

Arzoumanian is the author of renovation of the following churches:

New churches

Arzoumanian is the architect of the following churches:

Medals and awards

Arzoumanian also holds medals for his military career during World War II (2nd Order Medal of the Patriotic War, Red Star Medal, Medal of Honour, Medal of Bravery, Medal for Victory against Germany, Medal for Taking Kyoniksberg, Medal of Marshal Baghramian).

Gallery

Films