KHACHATUR ABOVYAN ARMENIAN STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

A comprehensive approach is required to organize schoolchildren’s visit to museums in order to make the visit not only interesting but also educational.

Ahead of the “Museum Night” pan-European event, Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU) hosted teachers from various schools in Armenia to discuss opportunities for increasing learners’ interest in museums and cultural heritage and introducing them to the peculiarities of organizing and holding the event [Museum Night], etc.

During the meeting with the guests, Alvard Grigoryan, Director of the History Museum at ASPU, Associate Professor at the Chair of Museology, Library Studies and Bibliography, dwelt on the actions that will facilitate the process. She said it is necessary to elaborate on the event, explain to the children why it is held, what makes it special, to select the museums in advance, to provide brief information about the exhibitions they plan to attend, to prepare creative or research assignments, and discuss the code of conduct for visitors.

Alvard Grigoryan also presented the lesson plan for the special day: it should include facts about the event, introduction to the program of events, homework, etc.

During the meeting, the teachers were also introduced to the methods and techniques for preparing for the "Museum Night" cultural event. Alvard Grigoryan assured the guests that it will help children become familiar with the initiative, arouse interest in art, history, and museum spaces, and promote active and conscious participation.

“The joint initiative with the National Center for Education Development and Innovations (KZNAK) Foundation is extremely important and aimed at deepening cooperation between museums and schools. Museums had enormous potential; initially, they were founded to help and support schools and the educational process," Alvard Grigoryan said.

May 18 has been celebrated as International Museum Day since 1977. For 40 years now, Armenia has been observing the day to raise awareness about the importance of museums [as cultural institutions]. The theme for the 2025 International Museum Day edition is “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities” which once again reaffirms the role of museums in shaping a sustainable and prosperous society.

The Museum Night event has been held since 2005 within the framework of International Museum Day. Armenia joined the celebrations the same year. Every year, the ASPU History Museum also joins the initiative on May 18.