Armenia’s museum sector marked a significant achievement in 2024, surpassing 1 billion AMD in self-generated revenue. This was announced by the Minister of ESCS, during a press conference held on January 8 at the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall.
The minister emphasized that this figure represents the museums’ self-earned income, independent of government funding. This milestone underscores the growing efficiency of museum operations and the increasing public interest in the cultural sector. According to Andreasyan, visitor statistics are still being finalized, but preliminary data indicates a substantial increase in December compared to the same period last year. These figures reflect the continuing appeal of Armenian museums to diverse audiences.
One of the notable innovations in 2024 was the introduction of a unified electronic ticketing system for museums. Andreasyan announced that starting this year, all citizens will be able to purchase tickets and souvenirs for museums under the ministry’s jurisdiction online. This initiative simplifies the entry process for visitors while advancing the integration of digital technologies in the cultural sector.
The reported revenue primarily stems from admission fees, temporary exhibitions, and souvenir sales. These figures highlight the increasing self-sufficiency of museums and present new opportunities for ensuring their financial sustainability. Andreasyan stated that the ministry will continue its efforts to further develop the museum sector. Plans include expanding the digital accessibility of museums and promoting innovative approaches to attract younger audiences.
The results from 2024 demonstrate that Armenian museums are not only guardians of cultural heritage but also evolving institutions capable of contributing to the country’s economic and social life. The question remains: will this momentum persist, and what new milestones can we expect in the year ahead?