Los Angeles has no shortage of museums, and more are coming. Particularly in anticipation of the 2028 Summer Olympics, several existing museums are in the midst of remodels and additions that will greet locals and tourists alike. Meanwhile, others such as the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Exposition Park and the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California in Glendale will add to the landscape once their construction and buildouts are complete.
Armenian American Museum & Cultural Center of California
With major structural work finished and interior build-out underway, the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California in Glendale has reached a significant step forward for one of the city’s most anticipated projects.
The cultural center announced in September the successful completion of the Hazarashen Skylight glass installation, marking a major construction milestone.
“That’s a unique feature of the museum that will bring exterior light in and it’s reflective of architecture from Armenia,” said project executive Nareg Mouradian.
The skylight takes its name and inspiration from the hazarashen – a traditional Armenian roof design made from “a thousand” (hazar) pieces of wood used in homes across the Armenian Highlands.
“With the completion of the Hazarashen Skylight, we are one step closer to opening the doors of the Armenian American Museum to the public,” stated executive chairman Berdj Karapetian in a statement. “The skylight illuminates the Grand Lobby with natural light and symbolizes the spirit of welcome and belonging that will define the visitor experience at the museum.”
Museum leadership is targeting an early-to-mid 2027 opening date.
Construction has been completed on the subterranean parking garage, and the exterior core and shell are underway with anticipated completion by the end of the calendar year.
“We’re focused on getting the tenant improvements fully permitted,” said Mouradian. “Construction for the interiors will start early next year.”
In addition to the skylight, the museum will feature a demonstration kitchen, learning center and archives facility to engage visitors. These spaces will highlight Armenian culinary traditions, language and cultural heritage and serve as flexible classrooms for various programming.
Glendale-based Alajajian Marcoosi Architects designed the museum, which has an angular exterior modeled on rock formations seen in the Armenian Highlands. The 50,820-square-foot museum will include permanent and temporary exhibition galleries on the upper level, with a lobby, auditorium and offices on the ground floor.
The Glendale City Council approved the museum’s $1-per-year ground lease agreement in 2018. The initial term of the agreement will be 55 years with options to extend the lease term for four 10-year periods totaling 95 years. The museum will neighbor Glendale’s Central Library, the Museum of Neon Art and The Americana at Brand.
The funding for the museum came in part from a $10 million state grant and almost $1 million in federal funding, in addition to private donations. Additional fundraising efforts are ongoing, with a goal of broadening donor participation and ensuring that the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs are fully supported at the time of opening.
