Doctor of Arts Hravard Hakobyan has turned 95. His anniversary was celebrated at the Scientific Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts named after Mesrop Mashtots (commonly known as Matenadaran) where Hravard Hakobyan has worked for many years as a senior researcher.

Among those present at the event were Lilit Mkrtchyan, Acting Rector of the Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU), along with representatives of the University's academic staff.

For many years, Hravard Hakobyan's scholarly and teaching career has been closely associated with the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, ASPU, and Matenadaran.

At the Pedagogical University, he founded the Department of Art History, Theory, and Cultural Studies, making a significant contribution to the development of art education and science.

At ASPU, Hravard Hakobyan founded the Chair of Art History, Theory, and Cultural Studies, making a significant contribution to the development of art history and its teaching in Armenia.

When congratulating Hravard Hakobyan, Director of Matenadaran Ara Khzmalyan noted that interaction with individuals like Hravard Hakobyan offers a unique opportunity to learn not only about their rich life experience but also about an entire historical era that they have witnessed and shaped.

Ara Khzmalyan added that every observation and scholarly assessment made by Professor Hakobyan constitutes a valuable testimony to the history of Armenian culture and art.

During the event, the attended also watched a documentary entitled "Life in Matenadaran" which featured Hravard Hakobyan as its central figure. In the film, he reflects on the beginning of his career in Matenadaran, his scientific career, and the unique academic environment that has served as the center of his research and creative work for nearly 65 years.

Speaking about the development of culture and arts, Hravard Hakobyan emphasized that the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran) is one of the key symbols of the history, collective memory, and national identity of the Armenian people. He also expressed confidence that Armenian culture and art will continue to flourish and experience a new rise in our times as well.

In their congratulatory messages, distinguished intellectuals, representatives of the education sector, and prominent figures in the field of culture emphasized that Hravard Hakobyan has long been regarded as one of the defining figures and symbols of Armenian art history.

At the end of the event, “The Khizan's Art Workshop of Miniature” – an illustrated book by Hravard Hakobyan, was presented to the audience. The book's editor, Lusine Sargsyan, spoke about the content of the work, its scientific novelty and originality and significance in the field of art history, emphasizing its importance for the study of Armenian miniature painting.