The information of ancient Armenian culture enjoyed the input of the dwellers of the Armenian plateau and those ancient societies and countries with which the Armenians had long maintained contact. From ancient times, Armenians have cherished their artistic traditions, which reflect a unique culture and landscape. Aspects of everyday life are expressed in the most artistic fashion, in needlework, embellishments, carvings and design. At the earliest stages of its development ancient Armenian culture was singled out by its perceptiveness towards the cultural accomplishments of other peoples. This feature became most salient during the Hellenistic period. Being a culture of a higher order, Hellenism nevertheless didn't level out local Armenian culture, while leaving a deep impact on it. In material culture it is most apparent in architecture. The best known monument of the Hellenistic period in Armenia is the heathen temple Garny. The heathen religion was an important component of ancient Armenian culture; it underwent changes prior to the Christianity.
Architecture is one of the most interesting art forms in Armenia, as, for example, churches bear artistic illustrations in frescoes and relief. This art was originated more than 4500 years ago and had great influence on the origination and development of other countries architectures.
Sculpture is everywhere - in nearly every city, town, and village in Armenia.
Sharakans are traditional Armenian liturgical songs, which are experiencing a revival today. Distinctive musical instruments are used to play Armenian folk songs. Sayat Nova, Komitas, and Aram Khachaturian are among Armenia's best-known musicians and composers. Contemporary music comes in the forms of jazz and pop. Frequent concerts make for delightful evenings at the Philharmonic, ChamberMusic Hall, Opera and Ballet House in Yerevan.
Ancient sources have preserved information about the theater arts of Armenia. It is known that Tigran the second in his capital Tigranakert built a theater where Greek actors used to perform. His successor king Artavazd the second offered his royal palace in Artashat for theatrical performances. King Ardavazd the second is considered to be the first Armenian playwright, which entitled him to be cast in stone in a bas-relief of the pediment of the building of the Armenian Academic Drama Company in Yerevan.
Literature has always played a vital role in Armenia's cultural and national identity. Before the Armenian alphabet was developed in the 5th century, Armenian tales were passed down by oral tradition and written in foreign languages. Armenian manuscripts, beautifully illuminated with miniatures, combine Armenia's literary and illustrative traditions.
Artists from that period, such as the portrait painter HakobHovnatanian and the seascape artist Ivan Aivazovsky, continue to enjoy international reputation. In the 20th century, MartirosSaryan captured nature's essence in a new light, and Arshile Gorky greatly influenced a generation of young American artists in New York, while Carzou and Jansem found fame and fortune painting in France. A visit to SaryanPark will bring you in touch with today's Armenian artists. The Caucasus region and Armenia in particular have been cited by scholars as the place where rug and carpet weaving originated. Armenians continue this tradition, and one can find many shops specializing in fine new and old rugs and carpets.
Carpet making –Armenian carpet and rug weaving has its roots in the ancient times. Carpet-weaving is historically a major traditional profession for the majority of Armenian women
Wood carvings replicate the ancient stone crosses (khachkars) found throughout the country, and no two are exactly alike. Armenian crafts couple elegant utility and delightful whimsy in textiles, ceramics, metal and woodworking. Armenia is often referred to as an open air museum. Tourists find over 4,000 historical monuments throughout Armenia, covering various periods of the country's history from prehistoric to Hellenistic times, and from the early to medieval Christian era. The Armenians created their masterpieces during rare periods of peace and relative prosperity over the centuries