YEREVAN. – Members of the group who struggle for the return of Armenian famous artist Minas Avetisyan’s wall paintings to Gyumri, spread leaflets on Friday during the opening ceremony of Zvartnots new terminal. Two of the wall paintings were moved to the airport.

“The airport has two great wall paintings by Armenian famous artist Minas Avetisyan. Armenian authorities announced that those wall paintings are the property of the state. However, they did nothing for their preservation. They invested AMD 20 million to restore the paintings and move them to Yerevan, whereas they could have used money for restoring and keeping them in Gyumri city. Gyumri residents demand to return back the four paintings. But the government has not given any
explanation yet.

The owner of the airport Eurnekian has not responded to the letter of 35 organizations of Gyumri city. Gyumri citizens consider it a cultural robbery. Taking the wall paintings from Gyumri and moving them to airport is disrespect for the residents and the real owners of the paintings.

Dear guests, Armenia is not only Yerevan nor Zvartnots airport. The wall paintings that you will see in the airport will be returned to Gyumri, whenever let it be,” reads the leaflet.