Lusik Aguletsi House Museum & Art Cafe

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Lusik Aguletsi House Museum & Art Café, located at 79 Muratsan Street in Yerevan, Armenia, offers visitors an intimate journey into the life and legacy of one of Armenia’s most dedicated preservationists of folk culture. Nestled in the city’s historic fabric, this living museum celebrates the artistry, spirit, and hospitality of Lusik Aguletsi—a painter, ethnographer, and the last woman in Yerevan to don the full traditional Armenian costume for more than four decades. It invites guests not just to observe, but to feel and taste Armenian cultural heritage.

About the Museum

Housed in the very home where Lusik lived and worked for approximately forty‑five years, the museum preserves the authentic atmosphere she carefully cultivated. Her vast collection of artifacts—assembled over more than forty years of ethnographic research—reflects a rich tapestry of Armenian life. Visitors can explore rooms adorned with national costumes she both sewed and painted, antique carpets woven with intricate Armenian motifs, silver jewelry, folk dolls, weapons, ancient coins, books, icons, pottery, and various household tools.

One of the most striking displays is the multi‑generation exhibition “Generations,” showcasing five generations of creative expression within Lusik’s own family, including works by her husband, Yuri Samvelyan. A particular treasure is the wooden cradle in which filmmaker Sergei Parajanov once slept, alongside a second cradle from Lusik’s native Agulis, and a seventeenth‑century dagger crafted by Muhamed Lari, all adding historical depth to the personal narrative.

Beyond passive viewing, the house‑museum sparks engagement through folk concerts, painting and dance performances, educational programs, and hands‑on master classes—ideal for school groups, students, and international visitors alike.

Adjacent to the exhibition space, the Art Café is more than a place to rest—it is an extension of Lusik’s vision, offering traditional Armenian cuisine inspired by Agulis recipes, served in a setting that echoes the warmth and creativity of Lusik’s home. Many guests recall the moment they “sipped warm mountain tea” among family heirlooms, feeling the living presence of her spirit.

Interesting Facts

Always in Taraz: Lusik Aguletsi was widely known for consistently wearing Armenian national costume (taraz) in everyday life for over forty‑five years.
Cultural Cradle: On display is the cradle in which acclaimed filmmaker Sergei Parajanov slept, as well as another from Lusik’s native Agulis.
Master Crafts: The collection includes a seventeenth‑century dagger crafted by Muhamed Lari, Bronze‑Age jars, silver belts and bracelets, and handmade folk dolls and sculptures.
Multi‑Generational Legacy: The museum’s “Generations” exhibit showcases creative works from five generations of Lusik’s family, including her husband Yuri Samvelyan.
Interactive Workshops: Visitors can engage in master classes ranging from wheat‑ear “tree of life” crafts and pottery to traditional baking (gata, pohindz) and eco‑bag painting.
Art Café Haven: The café offers traditional Agulis dishes and drinks in a garden setting, sometimes with fruit tree harvesting and a cozy, familial ambiance.
Photography and Taraz Renting: Guests can rent traditional taraz costumes for photoshoots and take memorable portraits within the museum’s evocative spaces.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +3745 502 4424

Website: aguletsi.mus.am/en/

Facebook: facebook.com/LusikAguletsi

Conclusion

The Lusik Aguletsi House Museum & Art Café is more than a static display—it is a vibrant celebration of Armenian cultural continuity, ethnic identity, and lived artistry. From the moment you enter her home‑turned‑museum, you are embraced by Lusik’s dedication to preserving national traditions through objects, stories, and shared experiences. Whether admiring her stunning national costume collection, participating in a folk workshop, or sipping tea in the garden café, every moment here connects you to the warmth of Armenian heritage.

For anyone visiting Yerevan with a desire to experience tradition beyond textbook history, the Lusik Aguletsi House Museum & Art Café offers a heartfelt and unforgettable journey.